Thomas Wynne

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Thomas Wynne

Name	Thomas Wynne
Birth name
Birth date	July 20, 1627
Birth place	Caerwys, Wales
Death date	January 16, 1692
Death place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for	Personal physician to William Penn, First Speaker of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Thomas Wynne (July 20, 1627 – January 16, 1692) was a Welsh physician and politician who played a significant role in the early history of Pennsylvania. He is best known for being the personal physician to William Penn, the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, and for serving as the first Speaker of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Wynne was born in Caerwys, Wales, in 1627. He was the son of Thomas Wynne and Anne Griffith. Wynne's early education was likely influenced by the local Welsh culture and the religious tensions of the time. He pursued medical studies, although the exact details of his medical education are not well-documented. It is believed that he apprenticed under a local physician, as was common practice in the 17th century.

Medical Career

Wynne established himself as a physician in Wales, where he gained a reputation for his medical skills. His practice was likely influenced by the medical knowledge of the time, which included a mix of traditional remedies and emerging scientific approaches. Wynne's medical career took a significant turn when he became associated with the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers.

Involvement with the Quakers

Wynne became a devout Quaker, a religious group that faced persecution in England and Wales during the 17th century. His involvement with the Quakers led to his imprisonment on several occasions due to his religious beliefs. Despite these challenges, Wynne remained committed to the Quaker cause and became a prominent figure within the community.

Emigration to Pennsylvania

In 1682, Thomas Wynne emigrated to the American colonies with William Penn, who had received a royal charter to establish a new colony in North America. Wynne's decision to emigrate was likely influenced by the opportunity to practice his faith freely and to contribute to the establishment of a new society based on Quaker principles.

Role in Pennsylvania

Upon arriving in Pennsylvania, Wynne quickly became involved in the political and social life of the colony. He was appointed as the personal physician to William Penn, a position that underscored his medical expertise and his close relationship with Penn. Wynne's medical practice in the colony would have included treating a variety of ailments common to the settlers, using both traditional and contemporary medical practices.

In 1683, Wynne was elected as the first Speaker of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, the legislative body of the colony. In this role, he helped to shape the early laws and governance of Pennsylvania, working closely with Penn and other leaders to establish a framework for the colony's development.

Legacy

Thomas Wynne's contributions to the early history of Pennsylvania are significant. As a physician, he provided essential medical care to the settlers, and as a politician, he played a key role in the establishment of the colony's government. His legacy is also reflected in his commitment to religious freedom and the Quaker ideals that influenced the founding of Pennsylvania.

Also see

• William Penn
• Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly
• Religious Society of Friends
• History of Pennsylvania