Biography of George Fox


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Fox, George. Founder of the Society of Friends. Born in County Leicester, England, in 1624. Early adopting the tenets and manners known as Quakerism, he suffered for many years continual persecution. In 1671 he sailed for the West Indies and the American Colonies, to propagate the doctrines of the sect he had originated. On his return to England in 1673, he was again imprisoned, but soon released through the influence of William Penn. After the accession of William III to the throne, the public worship of the Society of Friends became tolerated and legalized. Died in London in 1691.