[Abolition]. Pemberton, James (1723-1809). Partly printed document signed ("James Pemberton"), and issued to William Sharpless (or Sharples), Philadelphia, 4 April 1795.

One page, oblong 4to (270 x 384 mm). White seal intact in upper left, docketed on verso, countersigned by Secretaries James Todd and Walter Franklin, creasing from old folds, scattered soiling, repaired closed tear in top left. Framed and matted, overall 14 7/8 x 19 3/8 in.

A MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE FOR THE FIRST ABOLITION SOCIETY IN AMERICA, ISSUED TO A QUAKER.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery was founded in 1775 by Philadelphia Quaker Anthony Benezet as the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. Following the American Revolution, in 1784, it was reorganized as the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, with Benjamin Franklin as its president. Membership steadily grew during the 1790s and into the 19th century, where the organization sought social, educational, and employment opportunities for Blacks, while also providing legal aid to enslaved and Free Blacks. Upon Franklin's death, James Pemberton, a successful Philadelphia merchant and civic leader, became President.

William Sharpless (1752-1817) was born in Goshen, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the son of Nathan Sharples (1715-1755) and Hannah (Townsend) Ryan (1718-1790). A Quaker and cabinet maker by trade, Sharpless ran a successful dry goods store in West Chester, and upon the latter's incorporation served as its first burgess, as well as head of the West Chester Fire Company.

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[Abolition]. Pemberton, James (1723-1809). Partly printed document signed ("James Pemberton"), and issued to William Sharpless (or Sharples), Philadelphia, 4 April 1795.

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