 |
Samuel Rowland FisherA famous merchant originally from Philadelphia, he was involved in transatlantic shipping.
Date of Birth: 06.11.1745
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Samuel Rowland Fisher
- Business and Travels
- American Revolution and Imprisonment
- Opposition to the Revolution and Imprisonment
- Later Life and Business
- Characteristics and Personal Life
Biography of Samuel Rowland Fisher
Early Life and FamilySamuel Rowland Fisher was born in Lewes, Delaware to a Quaker family. His father, Joshua Fisher, was a descendant of John Fisher, who arrived in the United States with William Penn, one of the founding fathers of the United States and Philadelphia. His mother, Sarah Rowland, was the granddaughter of Mary Harworth, a prominent member of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Fisher's family moved to Philadelphia in 1746, where his father established a successful trading business and built a house called 'The Cliffs' in 1753, which is now a historic landmark.
Business and Travels
As Fisher and his four brothers grew older, they were taught the intricacies of the trading business by their father. The family business, renamed 'Joshua Fisher & Sons,' offered a wide range of goods such as porcelain, silver, brass cabinet handles, and other items listed in a detailed catalog. Fisher took over a significant portion of the business and continued to expand it throughout his life. He traveled extensively in America and England, documenting the production of textile products, glass, ceramics, and adding new items to the catalog.
American Revolution and Imprisonment
During the American Revolution, Fisher and his family, like many other Quakers, tried to remain neutral and not take sides in the war against England. However, Fisher, possibly due to his involvement in the trading business, was strongly opposed to the war. As a result, part of his goods was confiscated by the military for war purposes. In 1777, Fisher and his brothers refused to provide the authorities with their business documents and refused to take a military oath due to their Quaker beliefs. As a result, they were arrested and held in captivity in Winchester, Virginia for a year. Despite the harsh treatment and illnesses, the brothers survived. Eventually, they were pardoned and returned to Philadelphia.
Opposition to the Revolution and Imprisonment
However, Fisher continued to express his opposition to the revolution, leading to his arrest in 1779. He was accused of loyalty to the British crown and was sent to New York to be imprisoned for two years. Fisher refused to comply with the authorities and documented his movements and prison conditions during his captivity. He strongly opposed the new government and the army led by George Washington.
Later Life and Business
After the war, Fisher resumed his transatlantic trading activities and successfully conducted numerous deals in England. He visited cities such as Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and Warrington, inspecting textile mills and other factories, comparing quality and prices. After the revolution, the British could no longer import cheap raw materials from the colonies and sell finished goods at low prices. However, Fisher managed to benefit from selling many items that were not yet manufactured in America. He also traded agricultural products in exchange for English industrial goods.
Characteristics and Personal Life
Fisher was a typical Quaker merchant known for his exceptional honesty, which often surpassed societal norms. He once refused to sell an axe to a customer who needed it to fight Native Americans, despite offering it at a reduced price. Fisher often doubted whether he was doing the right thing, both in business and in his relationships with loved ones, and found solace in strict self-discipline.
