Quaker statesman and scholar.

Went to Pennsylvania as William Penn’s secretary (1699). Was politically prominent, serving on the provincial council, as mayor of Philadelphia, and as chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

A friend of Peter Collinson, he wrote and published on topics in natural science. Assembled a large collection of books which later became the Loganian Library.

Born in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland. Married in 1714 to Sarah Read; five children including Franklin correspondents James and William.