Rebecca Travers facts for kids

Rebecca Travers (born Booth, 1609 – 15 June 1688) was an important early member of the Quakers in London. The Quakers are a religious group. She was known for her strong faith and helping others. A famous Quaker leader, William Penn, spoke at her funeral.

Biography

Early Life and Becoming a Quaker

Rebecca Travers was born in 1609. Her father was a Baptist, and she began studying the Bible when she was only six years old. When she was young, she married William Travers. He worked as a tobacconist in London.

In 1654, Rebecca became interested in a discussion between James Nayler and some Baptists. Soon after, she met James Nayler in private. She then decided to become a Quaker and became his good friend. She was known for being steady and wise. She even visited Nayler when he was in prison. After he was released in 1659, she let him stay at her home for a while.

A Brave Preacher and Helper

Rebecca Travers was a very brave and powerful speaker. In 1664, she went to a church and questioned the priest about his teachings. The priest quickly left, and Rebecca was pushed and treated badly by others.

She was very active among Quaker women. People trusted her especially to care for those who were sick, poor, or in prison. She even visited prisons in places like Ipswich.

Important Quaker Leader

In 1671, a special group called the "six weeks' meeting" was created. This group was made up of experienced Quakers. It helped solve problems and make decisions. Rebecca Travers was one of the first members of this important group.

A special fund to help poor Quakers, called the "box meeting," was started at her house. George Fox, another important Quaker leader, often visited her home. Rebecca Travers wrote many things about her faith. She wrote ten small books, including religious poems. She also wrote introductions for two of James Nayler's books. One of her works was about a 15-year-old girl named Susannah Whitrowe who became a Quaker before she passed away.

Rebecca Travers died on 15 June 1688, when she was 79 years old. William Penn gave a speech at her funeral. She had a son named Matthew and at least one daughter.

See also

• Joan Whitrowe, author of The Work of God and mother of Susannah