Philadelphia, April 4, 1795. Partially-printed membership certificate for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, signed by President James Pemberton, and issued to William Sharpless (or Sharples) of Chester County; counter-signed by Secretaries James Todd and Walter Franklin. White seal intact in upper left; docketed on verso. Creasing from old folds; scattered soiling; repaired closed tear in top left. 10 5/8 x 15 1/8 in. (270 x 384 mm). In mat and in frame, 14 7/8 x 19 3/8 in. (378 x 492 mm).

A scarce membership certificate for the first abolition society in America. Founded in 1775 by Philadelphia Quaker Anthony Benezet as the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. Following the American Revolution, in 1784, it was reorganized as the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, with Benjamin Franklin as its president. Membership steadily grew during the 1790s and into the 19th century, where the organization sought social, educational, and employment opportunities for Blacks, while also providing legal aid to enslaved and Free Blacks. Upon Franklin's death, James Pemberton, a successful Philadelphia merchant and civic leader, became President.

William Sharpless (1752-1817) was born in Goshen, Chester County, Pennsylvania, son of Nathan Sharples (1715-1755) and Hannah (Townsend) Ryan (1718-1790). A Quaker and cabinet maker by trade, Sharpless ran a successful dry goods store in West Chester, and upon the latter's incorporation served as its first burgess, as well as head of the West Chester Fire Company.