Gilpin, Thomas, 1776-1853

John Pemberton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a member of the Society of Friends, was imprisoned with 19 other men in Winchester, Virginia, between 1777 and 1778, after refusing to swear allegiance to the United States. Fearing collusion with invading British forces, the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania arrested 17 Quakers and three additional men in September 1777, and transferred the prisoners to Winchester, Virginia, later that month. The men were released in April 1778, though two died while in confinement.

From the guide to the Thomas Gilpin, Exiles in Virginia... (extra-illustrated edition), Gilpin, Thomas, Exiles in Virginia... (extra-illustrated edition), 1778-1848, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)

Thomas Gilpin was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 1776, and died there on March 3, 1853. With his brother, Joshua (1765-1841), he established Delaware's first paper mill near Wilmington in 1787. Thomas Gilpin invented and patented the first continuous papermaking machine in the U.S. in 1817, based upon information secured by his brother in England. Although successful, the Gilpins suffered from a shortage of capital and losses in other investments, and they sold the mill in 1837.

From the description of Deposition in the case of John Ames v. Charles Howard, et al., 1833 [photoprints]. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122458529

Thomas Gilpin (1728-1778) was a Quaker merchant and manufacturer. Born and raised in Chester Co., Pa., he owned flour mills at Millington, Maryland, and near Wilmington, Delaware. In 1777, he was arrested with other members of the Society of Friends who were suspected of being loyalists and exiled to Winchester, Va., where he died on April 30, 1778.

Thomas Gilpin (1776-1853), the son of the elder Thomas Gilpin, was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 1776. He and his brother, Joshua (1765-1841), established Delaware's first paper mill near Wilmington in 1787. Although Thomas maintained his residence in Philadelphia, he summered near the mill. Joshua resided in Delaware at Kentmere. In 1817, Thomas invented and patented the first continous papermaking machine in the U.S., based on information secured by his brother in England. While the brothers were successful in their business endeavors, they suffered from a shortage of capital and losses in other investments. As a result, they sold the mill in 1837.

From the description of Inventory, deeds, and letters, 1738-1852. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 84666197