William Edmundson facts for kids
William Edmundson (1627—1712) was an important person who started the Quaker movement in Ireland. He was also known as William Edmondson.
Contents
Early Life and Discovering Quakerism
William Edmundson was born in 1627 in a place called Little Musgrave in England. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was young, so his uncle raised him.
When he was older, William became a carpenter in York. After finishing his training, he joined the army during the English Civil War. He traveled to Scotland in 1650 and even fought in the Battle of Worcester. While he was serving in the army, he first learned about Quakerism. After leaving the army, he moved to County Antrim in Ireland.
Building the Quaker Movement
In 1654, William Edmundson opened the very first Quaker Meeting House in Lurgan, Ireland. A Meeting House is a special place where Quakers gather for worship. He was put in prison several times because of his beliefs, but he was always set free.
William spent the rest of his life working hard to grow the Society of Friends, which is another name for the Quakers, in Ireland. He lived most of his life in a village called Rosenallis in County Laois, Ireland.
Travels and Debates
William Edmundson also traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to America. In 1672, he visited Rhode Island in New England. There, he had a public discussion with a Protestant leader named Roger Williams. This debate was later written down in a book.
William Edmundson's life as a Quaker is well-documented in his own journal. It's called "A Journal of the Life, Travels, Sufferings, and Labour of Love of William Edmundson."
Family Life
William Edmundson was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Staniforth (or Stanford), whom he married in 1652. Margaret passed away in 1689. Later, he married Mary Strangman, who lived longer than he did.
William had nine children: Thomas, Mary, William, Samuel, Hindrance, Susanna, Anna, and Tryal.
See also
