Proprietary Party
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The Proprietary Party, also known as the Gentleman's Party,[1] was a political party in the Pennsylvania Colony, primarily concerned with Anglicanism and supporting the rights of the colonies hereditary proprietors, the Penns.[2] They were typically in opposition to the Quaker Party, which sometimes resulted in violence.[3]
They were originally called the Proprietary Party, changed their name to the Gentlemen's Party in the 1740s, and reverted to the Proprietary Party in the 1750s.[2][4]
The Paxton Boys' March on Philadelphia was preventing from entering by a delegation of Philadelphians with the promise that the legislature would discuss their complaints; however, this did not happen, and the party took advantage of publicizing it in 1764.[5]
The party opposed the Stamp Act of 1765, allying themselves with Benjamin Franklin's opposition to the Act and placing themselves in leadership positions.[4] They later opposed Franklin's appointment to the position of Colonial Agent in London.[6][7]
The Proprietary Party primarily focused on supporting the Penns, in political and property rights.[2] They also wanted military defense for the province,[2][8] including the drafting of indentured servants,[3] as well as the ability to print paper money.[8] They attempted to comparatively weaken the Quaker party in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania by appealing to those on the Frontier.[2][4]
Notable individuals
James Logan was the first leader,[2] as the Proprietary Council's Secretary,[8] and mobilized Proprietary supporters.[4] In the 1740s, William Allen became the party leader,[2][8][9] and lead with Richard Peters.[8] Nicholas Scull II was a Placeman for the party in the position of Surveyor General of Pennsylvania.[8] George Thomas, a Proprietary governor, led a Quaker assembly.[3]