Jordan, Richard, 1756-1826

JORDAN, Richard, Quaker preacher, b. in Norfolk county, Va., 19 Dec., 1756; d. in Newton, N. J., 14 Oct., 1826. He became a minister in the Society of Friends, and began to preach at the age of twenty-five, visiting the entire eastern portion of the United States. In 1803 he went to Europe, where he remained for three years. He visited in his ministerial capacity every yearly meeting of the society in existence, and labored in behalf of the negroes. He wrote an autobiography, "Journal of Richard Jordan" (Philadelphia, 1879).

b. Dec. 19, 1756 in Elizabeth, Norfolk County, Va., son of Joseph and Patience Jordan. His mother died when he was quite young, and he was but a few times at meeting until twelve years of age.

1768 family removed to Rich Square, N.C.

m. Pharaby Knox (d.1825) 2 children (died in infancy). Settled on a farm near Rich Square.

ca 1781 spoke in the ministry and travelled on foot to some places in N.C. He refused to accept slaves for his farm offered by his father.

1797 visited northern and eastern states. Often called upon government officials to procure justice for negroes. Travelled with Josiah White and Samuel Smith.

1800-1802 Visit to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Holland and France. In Ireland encountered rationalism. English Friends procured the manufacture of china ware with his portrait. This is now a collector's item. Gave up the habit of smoking tobacco.

1804 removed to Hartford, Conn. Bore his testimony against a disorganizing spirit in New England.

1809 removed again to Newton, in Camden County, N.J.

1810 visited New York, Rhode Island, Baltimore and North Carolina. He kept a Journal. With little school learning and with faulty grammar, he was yet a powerful minister. He was much grieved by the dissemination of rationalistic views, which following his death, helped to cause a separation in Phila. Yearly Meeting.

d. Oct., 13 or 14, 1826 at Newton, N.J. after an illness of two months in his 70th year.