Isaac Paschall (33)

Isaac Paschall (8 September 1728–c. 27 November 1773) was a merchant and a member of the American Society (elected in 1766) via his membership in the Young Junto (elected c. 1758). Born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family, he was a regular attendee of the Young Junto’s meetings and proposed numerous queries for discussion, with topics ranging from the best form of government to the relationship between light and heat to the continued existence of the slave trade. As a member of the American Society, he served on committees tasked with preparing a history of the Society, creating a cabinet to display its collections, negotiating its unification with the American Philosophical Society, and creating a seal for the newly united APS. He owned a store with his brother and fellow Young Junto member Joseph Paschall and signed the Non-Importation Agreement of 1765. Paschall was also a contributor to the Friendly Association, Silk Society, College of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Hospital. He was named director of the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1762, though poor health prevented him from serving in that role. His uncle John Reynell was a member of the revived APS. (PI)