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The Proprietary Party, also known as the Gentleman's Party,^[1] was a political party in the Pennsylvania Colony, primarily concerned with Anglicanism and supporting the rights of the colonies hereditary proprietors, the Penns.^[2] They were typically in opposition to the Quaker Party, which sometimes resulted in violence.^[3]

They were originally called the Proprietary Party, changed their name to the Gentlemen's Party in the 1740s, and reverted to the Proprietary Party in the 1750s.^[2]^[4]

The Paxton Boys' March on Philadelphia was preventing from entering by a delegation of Philadelphians with the promise that the legislature would discuss their complaints; however, this did not happen, and the party took advantage of publicizing it in 1764.^[5]

The party opposed the Stamp Act of 1765, allying themselves with Benjamin Franklin's opposition to the Act and placing themselves in leadership positions.^[4] They later opposed Franklin's appointment to the position of Colonial Agent in London.^[6]^[7]

Ideology and policies

The Proprietary Party primarily focused on supporting the Penns, in political and property rights.^[2] They also wanted military defense for the province,^[2]^[8] including the drafting of indentured servants,^[3] as well as the ability to print paper money.^[8] They attempted to comparatively weaken the Quaker party in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania by appealing to those on the Frontier.^[2]^[4]

Notable individuals

James Logan was the first leader,^[2] as the Proprietary Council's Secretary,^[8] and mobilized Proprietary supporters.^[4] In the 1740s, William Allen became the party leader,^[2]^[8]^[9] and lead with Richard Peters.^[8] Nicholas Scull II was a Placeman for the party in the position of Surveyor General of Pennsylvania.^[8] George Thomas, a Proprietary governor, led a Quaker assembly.^[3]

Andrew Hamilton and Isaac Norris

Andrew Hamilton, of the party, abdicated from the assembly in 1739.^[10] Isaac Norris and Hamilton had an enmity.^[11] This abdication led to increased determination on William Allen's part to attain power in the assembly.^[10]

Election day riot

On October 1, 1742, Election Day in Pennsylvania, a physical fight over voting occurred between the Quakers and the Proprietary Party, each respectively represented by Isaac Norris and William Allen in the election for the Inspector of Elections.^[9]^[3] The Philadelphia County Courthouse was the only place to vote.^[9] Quakers arrived first and blocked Proprietary voters.^[9]^[3] Many more votes for Norris were cast (by physically standing near him), but, before the election was finished, 60 sailors, thought to be employed by Allen,^[8] armed with clubs entered and began attacking Pennsylvania Germans.^[9] They responded, and a vigorous fight between the two occurred, with the Proprietary sailors losing and retreating.^[9]