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A special display at Centreville Regional Library is bringing renewed attention to five women who supported the patriot cause during the American Revolution.
Created by the Lane’s Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the 250th anniversary of American independence, the exhibit will remain at the library through the end of the month.
Deborah Sampson of Massachusetts educated herself and worked as a summer teacher in 1779 and 1780 and as a weaver during the winters. Determined to join the war effort, she disguised herself as a man and entered the patriot forces. She became the only woman to receive a full military pension for service in the American Revolutionary Army.
Sarah Martin Tyonajanegan, whose name means “Two Kettles Together,” was an Oneida woman from New York who lived from about 1740 to 1824. She fought beside her Oneida chief during the Battle of Oriskany on Aug. 6, 1777. She also joined other Oneida women in traveling behind British lines to warn Mohawk Valley settlements about British forces.
Mary Ludwig Hays, better known as “Molly Pitcher,” carried water to members of the 4th Pennsylvania Artillery during the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778. When her husband, William, was seriously wounded, she took his place at the cannon. One cannon shot reportedly passed through her petticoats. Gen. George Washington later recognized her with the honorary rank of a noncommissioned officer. She was born in New Jersey or Pennsylvania on Oct. 13, 1754, and died Jan. 22, 1832.
Abigail Adams of Massachusetts was taught at home by her mother because women of her era lacked access to formal schooling. After marrying founding father John Adams, she advised him on political matters and famously urged him to “Remember the Ladies” as the new nation drafted its laws. She lived from Nov. 22, 1744, to Oct. 28, 1818.
Phyllis Wheatley was born in West Africa in 1763 and died in America in 1784. She became the first African American and enslaved woman to publish a book of poetry. Her work reflected Revolutionary ideals while challenging prevailing beliefs about slavery and the intellectual abilities of African Americans. She began publishing in local newspapers in 1767, and abolitionists continued citing her writing throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.