From USHistory.org: 'The Free or "Fighting" Quakers were those disowned by their faith for supporting the American Revolution. Some fought or sold military supplies. Others were expelled for simply taking a loyalty oath to the new American government or holding some civil office.

In 1783, the Free Quakers opened their own meetinghouse, which still stands on the southwest corner of 5th and Arch streets.'

I also have some Quaker ancestors who owned slaves even though they were opposed to slavery. Family wills indicate the educated their slaves, treated them well, and almost always freed them upon the owner's death.

Joan