Timothy Smith, a Quaker, had his commitment to pacifism tested when the Revolutionary War started in 1775. Believing that war and conflict were against God’s wishes, Quakers disowned some of Smith’s extended family members for bearing arms or supporting war measures. At age 32, Smith decided to remain faithful to his religion while demonstrating allegiance to the Patriot cause by joining the Continental Army in a non-combatant role: as a teamster responsible for transporting vital supplies to military forces.
