Rebecca Jones

Rebecca Jones (July 8, 1739 - April 15, 1818) was a Quaker minister and educator. She is known for having helped maintain the tradition of female preaching and leadership among American Quakers, and helping create it in Britain.

Early life Jones was born July 8, 1739, in Philadelphia, to William Jones, a seaman, and Mary Porter, a school mistress. Shortly after her birth, William died on a voyage. Mary Jones supported Rebecca and her older brother, Daniel, by running a school for young girls at No. 8 Drinker's Alley.

Although Jones was raised in the Anglican tradition, she showed an interest in the Quaker faith from twelve years old. At sixteen years of age, Jones began the conversion process after hearing minister Catherine Peyton preach. Despite ridicule and objection from family and friends, Jones became increasingly involved in the Quaker religion, becoming a regular speaker by 1758. Two years later, she became a minister.