Thee and Me: A Beginner's Guide to Early Quaker Records

In 1675, George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), devised a system of record-keeping, which is both meticulous and extensive, and has continued for over 300 years. Meeting records kept by the Friends are rich in detail and those searching for Quaker ancestors can expect to discover a wealth of information in them, as soon as they learn how to use them. The early Quakers had characteristics and a manner of speaking which were quite their own and maneuvering through the records requires special research insights. Now, for the first time in over 25 years, a book has been written which acquaints Quaker researchers with the intricacies of meeting records. And for the first time ever, it was written by someone who understands the Quakers, so researchers are introduced not only to the different record types and the most effective use of those records, but to the Quakers themselves. The author is a 10th generation descendant of multiple lines of Quakers who came to the colonies in the earliest years. She has lived the life of a Quaker, is a professional genealogist, and now shares her insights with those searching not only for the names of their Quaker ancestors, but for the back stories as well. Learn why the Quakers disowned their members for infractions yet still welcomed them to worship rather than shunning them - which was the common practice in other religions. Ever heard of the Underground Railroad – guess who most of the “conductors” were? Why did they risk life and limb to buy and free slaves? What about the Quaker refusal to bear arms - how did they manage that during the Revolutionary War when it was unfolding right there in Pennsylvania? This book begins with a brief history of the Quakers, including their devotion to the New Testament of the King James Bible which, in their day was newly available to the common man. Turning their back on both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, the Quakers formed their own religion and sealed their fate when they refused to pay tithes to either church. Thousands were put into prison or sold into slavery, but they persevered and grew stronger in their faith. After nearly 20 years of persecution, quite miraculously, William Penn was given land in the new colonies; land which was roughly the size of England! Penn practically gave the land away and there the Quakers found a place to grow, free from persecution. All of this activity is tracked in the Quaker records, including each family’s migration to America and their settlement in the colonies. Penn enacted a self-limiting government in his colony and began some inspired new legal practices which were eventually incorporated into the U.S. Constitution. Other chapters include details about Quaker words and phrases; records organization; the unique ways in which Quakers dealt with Indian tribes, kept a calendar, dressed, spoke the Plain language, held weddings, and conducted business. The print book includes many images, tips, and guides, including a case study that walks the reader through the research process for tracing Quaker ancestors.

Lisa Parry Arnold is a professional genealogist. Her first book is entitled "Thee and Me: A Beginner's Guide to Early Quaker Records". She is Sr. Content Strategist on the Global Content Team at Ancestry.com, and has been employed there for nine years. Her responsibilities include providing expert research on records and collections including African-American, Native American and church records, among others. She has provided research for the hosts of "Today Show" and "Good Morning America", and was also part of the research team for NBC's "Who Do You Think You Are?" television show. Lisa is a frequent presenter at national genealogy conferences, and a guest lecturer at the Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (IGHR). She has been a speaker for Ancestry.com at major Ancestry Day events held in major cities around the United States. In addition to being a lecturer and author, Lisa teaches family history classes in her community. She is former Director of the Family History Center in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Lisa Parry Arnold was a birthright member of Westfield Friends Meeting in Cinnaminson, Burlington County, New Jersey. She is a graduate of George School ('71) and Brigham Young University (History/Family History, 2006). She is a Master's degree candidate in history at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She is the Founding President of the Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Lisa's interest in genealogy stems from her heritage as a Quaker. Her family lines extend back to the early Quakers, who were followers of George Fox in England and came to the colonies in the days of William Penn. Like the ten generations before her, Lisa was raised in the Quaker religion. She attended Quaker schools, and was married in a Quaker wedding ceremony in the Westfield Friends Meetinghouse in 1974. She completed an internship at Swarthmore College in 2003, working with the largest Quaker record collection in America, housed at the Swarthmore Friends Historical Library. It was the internship which led to the writing of her book.