William Lewis (1751-1819)
Philadelphia judge, lawyer, and abolitionist, Lewis played an important role in the drafting and passage of the 1780 "Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery." It was the first abolition legislation in America. Lewis maintained an anti-slavery stance throughout his life as a counselor for the Pa. Abolition Society, defending the rights of slaves freed under this Act. Historic Strawberry Mansion, built in 1789, was Lewis's summer home.
Digital Commonwealth, Boston Public LibraryDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDigital Commonwealth, Boston Public LibraryDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDigital Commonwealth, Boston Public Library
Marker data: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission via data.pa.gov
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