Isabel Yeamans facts for kids

Isabel Yeamans (born around 1637 – died 1704) was an English Quaker preacher. She was the daughter of Margaret Fell and the step-daughter of George Fox. Margaret and George were important leaders who helped start the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers.

Early Life and Family

Isabel was born at Swarthmoor Hall in Lancashire, England, probably in 1637. She was the third of eight children. Her father, Thomas Fell, was a judge and a member of Parliament. Her mother was Margaret Askew Fell.

Becoming a Quaker

In 1652, George Fox visited Swarthmoor Hall. He was a traveling minister. During his visit, Isabel, her mother Margaret, and her sister Sarah Fell became Quakers. Many other family members also joined the Quaker faith. Isabel's father, Thomas Fell, was not home during this visit. He accepted their new beliefs but did not become a Quaker himself. He passed away in 1658. After his death, Margaret Fell and her daughters continued to manage their home. Swarthmoor Hall became a very important place for Quakers.

Marriages and Children

In 1664, Isabel married William Yeamans. He was a Quaker and a merchant from Bristol. They had four children together. Sadly, three of their children, William, Margaret, and Rachel, died when they were young. Only their second son, also named William, lived to be an adult.

In 1669, Isabel's mother, Margaret Fell, married George Fox. Their wedding took place at Isabel and William Yeamans' home in Bristol. Isabel signed their marriage certificate.

After her husband William died in 1674, Isabel moved back to Swarthmoor Hall. She brought her two children, Rachel and William, with her. Later, in 1689, Isabel married for a second time. Her new husband was Abraham Morrice, a Quaker merchant from Lincoln. Isabel stayed close with her family, including her sisters and her mother, throughout her life. She died in 1704.

Isabel's Quaker Work

Isabel became a Quaker in 1652. By 1660, she was traveling a lot. She preached at Quaker meetings all over England and Scotland. She also wrote letters to Quaker groups in the North of England and in Ireland.

Supporting Women in Quakerism

In Bristol, Isabel continued the work of George Fox and Margaret Fell. She strongly supported women's rights within Quaker meetings. She helped set up separate meetings for women to handle their own business. These meetings helped women serve, speak, and take on important roles in the Quaker community. Isabel was known as a very good speaker and a skilled minister.

Travels and Meetings with Royalty

Isabel sometimes helped George Fox with his travels and work. She supported him in his meetings with other Quakers. One important trip was in 1677 to the Netherlands and Germany. Isabel traveled with Fox, William Penn, Robert Barclay, and others. They visited Quaker communities there and tried to share their faith with new people.

During this trip, Isabel personally delivered a letter from Fox to Princess Elizabeth of the Palatinate. She also spoke with the Princess. Princess Elizabeth was very impressed with how Isabel expressed herself.