Virginia Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, The – Encyclopedia Virginia
SUMMARY The Virginia Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and the Relief of Free Negroes and Others, Unlawfully Held in Bondage, and Other Humane Purposes was a Richmond-based antislavery organization active from 1790 to 1804. Founded by Robert Pleasants, a wealthy Quaker slaveholder-turned-abolitionist from Henrico County, the society at its high-water mark claimed more than 100 members, many of whom were Quakers and more than a few of whom were Methodists. The Virginia Society petitioned the U.S. Congress and the General Assembly in support of gradual emancipation and provided le...
Source: encyclopediavirginia.org