Timothy Matlack

 Timothy Matlack was a fervent patriot, military leader, and statesman, born in Haddonfield, New Jersey, in 1730. He lived a remarkable life of 99 years, passing away near Holmesburg, Pennsylvania, on April 15, 1829. A former member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), Matlack left the traditional, pacifist Quaker community at the onset of the American Revolution to join the "Free Quakers" or “Fighting Quakers,” a faction of Quakers who believed in actively supporting the war for independence. Known for his outspoken dedication, Christopher Marshall described Matlack as “one of the most active spirits of the days of 1775-‘6,” underscoring his intense commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Matlack made his loyalty to the American cause evident in both word and deed. As he took up arms and began wearing a sword in the streets of Philadelphia, he faced criticism from orthodox Quakers who questioned his choice. To their inquiry about the purpose of his weapon, Matlack replied boldly, “It is to defend my property and my liberty,” a statement that captured his unwavering commitment to both personal and political freedom. His courage and dedication quickly earned him a place on Philadelphia’s Committee of Safety in 1776, where he helped organize defenses and oversee security in a city that was often under threat during the war.

During the same year, Matlack was appointed as a colonel of a Pennsylvania battalion that was sent to suppress Tory (Loyalist) forces in Delaware, who had blocked land routes to Dover in June 1776. Matlack’s leadership proved vital in neutralizing the Loyalist threat and re-establishing communication lines. His reputation as a patriot led to his selection as a delegate, alongside Benjamin Franklin, Thomas McKean, Colonel John Bayard, and others, to represent Philadelphia at the State Conference on June 14, 1776. This conference was pivotal in Pennsylvania’s decision to support independence, and Matlack's presence illustrated his importance among revolutionary leaders.

Throughout the war and beyond, Matlack continued to serve Pennsylvania in various roles. In 1780, he was appointed a delegate to the Continental Congress, representing Pennsylvania during the critical post-war years from 1780 to 1787. His career further expanded as he became Master of the Rolls for Pennsylvania, residing in Lancaster for a time before returning to Philadelphia upon his appointment as prothonotary (chief clerk) of one of the city’s courts. His contributions to Pennsylvania’s governance solidified his legacy as a foundational figure in the state’s post-revolutionary leadership.

In 1783, Matlack’s services were formally recognized when Philadelphia’s Committee of Safety presented him with a silver urn, inscribed as a token of appreciation for his “patriotic devotion to the cause of freedom, and the many services rendered by him throughout the struggle.” This gift symbolized the high regard in which his contemporaries held him and acknowledged his sacrifices for the fledgling nation.

Matlack also played an instrumental role in founding the Free Quaker Meeting House in Philadelphia, a congregation established for Quakers who supported the Revolution. Alongside prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Morris, Matlack contributed funds to build this meeting house, providing a place of worship for those who, like him, had faced exclusion from traditional Quaker communities due to their support for independence.

Living to nearly a century, Timothy Matlack retained his faculties and dedication to the ideals of the Revolution until his final days. His life is a testament to his relentless pursuit of liberty, personal sacrifice, and belief in the cause of freedom, establishing him as a celebrated figure in American revolutionary history.

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