In honor of Mother's Day, we wanted to share some inspiring stories of mothers who were selfless and faithful during America’s fight for freedom. We hope they encourage you and remind us all to be grateful for the mothers and grandmothers who go above and beyond for us every day! - WallBuilders
Gertrude Read was the wife of Declaration signer George Read. She and her four young children suffered hardships and were frequently left alone under imminent threat as the British marched through and occupied parts of Delaware. Despite the long separations and the many times she had to move her family to safety, a biographer of George Read notes, "she never was dejected...she animated his fortitude by her firmness."
As the British made their way to Princeton in the early years of the war, Annis Stockton (Declaration signer Richard Stockton's wife), secured numerous state papers to keep them safe. She stayed strong when Richard quickly acted to get his family (including six children) to safety. He was arrested by the British shortly after saving his family and remained in horrible conditions until Congress secured his freedom. He never recovered from his ill-treatment and died in 1780.
Mary Bartlett (wife of Declaration signer Josiah Bartlett) also faced many hardships. In 1774, arsonists (assumed to be British Loyalists) burned down the Bartlett's home. Mary did not despair but simply moved her 12 children to the family's farm. A biographer noted that she managed the farm herself and in all her letters to her husband and her children, there is not one word of regret at his course or pity for herself, left alone to bear the double duties incumbent upon her.
Mary Morris, the wife of Declaration & Constitution signer Robert Morris, fled her home with her four young children (the oldest being only 7) as the British approached Philadelphia. She wrote to her husband recounting her flight, understandably distressed by the event: "I long to give you an account of the many difficulties and uneasiness we have experienced in this journey. Indeed my spirits were very unable to the task after that greatest conflict, flying from home."
These stories of mothers during one of the most trying times in American history should serve as inspiration to us all this Mother's Day!