Chalkley, Thomas

Chalkley, Thomas a minister in the Society of Friends, was born in Southwark, London, March 3,1685. He came to Pennsylvania about 1701. A part of his time was devoted to trade, but when he felt what he believed to be the moving of the Spirit, he went where Providence seemed to direct him to preach the Gospel. He made a trip through Great Britain, Holland, and Germany, returning to America in 1710. In 1716 he visited the Bermuda Islands, the Barbados and Great Britain again in 1718. He died on the island of Tortola, Sept. 4, 1740, while on one of his evangelical errands. He is said to have been a man of many virtues, and was endeared to his acquaintances by the gentleness of his manners. He laid the foundation for the valuable library of the Friends in Philadelphia. A collection of his writings and his journal were published in Philadelphia in 1749, and in New York in 1808. (J.C.S.)