William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2016-07-01 / 7. szám

LEFT: A portrait of Hannah Penn, which hangs at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. BELOW: Janet de Coux's depiction of a young William Penn protecting humanity towers over visitors to the State Museum of Pennsylvania. OPPOSITE PAGE:

This painting of William Penn by G. Koszorús (c. 1956) hangs in the second floor foyer of WPA’s Home Office.

Penn limited his own power because he knew he would have to safeguard the rights of private property, preserve free enterprise and fairly impose taxes. He insisted that all legal cases be tried by jury and that the death penalty be imposed only for two crimes: treason and murder.

While traveling back to England, Penn suffered a series of strokes which left him unable to speak or take care of himself. He also lost his memory and died penniless in 1718. He was buried next to his first wife who had previously died.

Penn was 52 when he married his second wife, Hannah. At the time, she was 25, and the couple had eight children in 12 years. Upon Penn's death, Hannah became sole executor of his affairs until her own death. She effectively administered the Province of Pennsylvania for six years following her husband's strokes and eventual death. At the age of 55, however, she, too, died of a stroke.

For her exemplary management of Pennsylvania, she is one of few individuals — and the first woman - granted the status of Honorary Citizen of the U.S., awarded to her by presidential proclamation by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Her portrait hangs alongside her husband's in the state museum, and a middle school in York, Pa., is named in her honor. Today, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women awards Hannah Penn leadership awards to honor outstanding women in the state.

In the state museum's Memorial Hall, an 18-foot sculpture, weighing 3,800 pounds and created by Janet de Coux, stands against an immense background mural by Vincent Maragliotti that depicts momentous events and important Pennsylvanians and demonstrates Penn's vision of a free society. Not surprisingly, the enormous statue of Penn shows him as youthful, dignified and thoughtful. But what is truly noteworthy is the symbolism. Nestled in Penn's left arm is a figure that represents all humanity, with William Penn as our protector. Thus, it is only fitting that our fraternal insurance company be named after this historical icon who indeed cared and protected Pennsylvanians, just as WPA does its members. □