Woolman, John (1720-1772), was a colonial American writer and Quaker minister. He worked to abolish slavery, relieve poverty, obtain better treatment for Indians, and end war.
Woolman was born on Oct. 19, 1720, on a farm near what is now Rancocas, New Jersey. He worked as a clerk until he was 22 years old, when he became a minister and a tailor. Woolman preached while traveling on foot from New England to North Carolina. He convinced Philadelphia Quakers at their yearly meeting in 1758 to resolve not to keep or deal in slaves. This resolution was the first of its kind in the American Colonies.
When he was about 36 years old, Woolman began to write an account of his life and religious beliefs. His Journal, published in 1774, is noted for its sensitive descriptions of his feelings. Woolman also wrote essays condemning slavery and calling for better conditions for the poor. He died on Oct. 7, 1772.
