MDDM Ch. 51 The Topick of Hats

[Dave Monroe]

Some of it is indeed true, and some of it is not ...
  
--- Judy Panetta <judy at firemist.com> wrote:
> 
> The folklore that every Philly kid grows up with is
> the story that Billy Penn had a meeting with the
> king.  And upon entering the royal chamber - did not
> remove his hat.  This so pissed off the king that
> Penn was sent to the tower - the last stop before
> the block and the short sharp chop.  At which point
> Penn's papa intervened. The king owed papa Penn
> money. The debt was forgiven in exchange for a
> parcel of land west of river delaware 'cross the
> pond, baby Penn's release from gaol, and a one way
> ticket outa there.

E.g. ...

"Perhaps the most common image of Quakers shows them
as wearing 'plain' clothes of gray or brown. Another
distinguishing characteristic of the Quakers was the
use of the common word 'thee' instead of 'you' when
addressing people, even people of higher social rank
such as the king.  Because Quakers believed all people
were created equal, they did not tip their hats to
people of authority. 

"William Penn became a loud and powerful voice for the
Quaker church.  His wealth and family connections
allowed him to use his influence on behalf of the
Quakers.  Penn traveled in Europe, spreading the
doctrine of the Quaker faith.  He also published
several pamphlets and letters promoting and defending
the Quaker lifestyle and beliefs. 

"Often these beliefs forced William into some
difficult situations.   He was put in Newgate prison
for unlawful assembly.  As he entered the courtroom
for his trial, the jailer pulled Penn’s hat off his
head.  The judge ordered Penn's hat replaced, and then
fined him for contempt of court.  During this famous
'Hat Trial' the jury refused to find Penn guilty as
the judge instructed them.  After intimidation
tactics, including a short term in jail, the jury held
firm to their belief in Penn's innocence on the charge
of unlawful assembly. This trial would set precedent
affirming the jury's right to serve as judge over the
accused."

http://www.statemuseumpa.org/Education/Heritage_Week_2002/biography_of_william_penn.htm

"Penn himself had been fined for not removing his hat
in court, had been imprisoned on his refusal to pay,
and had earnestly requested his family not to pay for
him. The fine, however, was settled anonymously, and
he was released in time to be present at his father’s
death on the 16th of September 1670, at the early age
of forty-nine."

http://www.2020site.org/penn/quakers.html
Also ...

"When Penn's father died, he gave his son his
blessing. The crown of England owed a great debt of
gratitude to Admiral Penn, and in 1680 William Penn
asked for a grant of American land west of the
Delaware. The land he received, probably the largest
piece of property ever owned by a commoner, became the
scene of the Holy Experiment in pacifist government
and was called Pennsylvania. Penn wanted to call it
Sylvania for its forests, but the King insisted that
Penn be added. Although Penn was sole proprietor and
therefore governor, he wanted it to be a haven for
religious toleration and representative government. Of
course it was to be a home for the Quakers, but others
were welcome also. He drew up a constitution, and the
first article protected freedom of worship according
to conscience."

http://www.san.beck.org/WP12-FoxandPenn.html

> Eat your oatmeal or you'll dry up, for lord's sake.

Sure thing, mom ...

http://www.quakeroats.com/home.html

Accept no substitutes ...

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com