William Penn
William Penn, (1644-1718). English Quaker and founder of Pennsylvania. Imprisoned several times for non-conformism, he was granted land in America by Charles II in payment of a debt to his father, Admiral Sir William Penn. In 1682 he founded the Quaker colony of Pennsylvania. On his first visit to the colony (1682-84), Penn insisted that the Indians be treated fairly and made treaties with them. As a result friendly relations were established between the new government and the Indians from the start. Penn promoted constitutional reforms, such as full religious tolerance and frequent elections.
