Note 31 — Chapter II
Reading edition
James Pemberton, born 26th of Sixth month (August), 1723, in Philadelphia, was the son of Israel and Rachel Pemberton. He was one of the "overseers" of the public schools founded by charter in the town and county of Philadelphia. Was one of the managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital and a prominent merchant of the city. He was a member of the Society of Friends. He was married, first, to Hannah, daughter of Mordecai and Hannah Lloyd, in 1751, and had six children. In 1768 he married Sarah, daughter of David and Mary Smith, of Burlington, N. J. Their daughter became the wife of Anthony Morris. In 1775 he married Phebe, widow of Samuel Morton. James Pemberton died Second month 9th, 1809.
John Adams in his diary says: "Israel Pemberton is at the head of Quaker interests in Philadelphia." Israel, the father, and the sons, Israel and James, were all members of the Assembly. James Pemberton, with six others, resigned from the Assembly 1756-7, because of not being able conscientiously to vote for the tax for military purposes for the Indian wars. Sixteen other Friends also withdrew at this time. The Quaker party kept the ascendency until 1776, then fell to pieces and forever disappeared.
John and James Pemberton, Henry Drinker and Samuel Pleasants were among the Friends banished to Virginia in 1777 because of supposed sympathy with the British.