Women's History: Trivia, Firsts & Other Musings

Volume I circa 1438 through 1799

By: Paula C. Henderson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

[Excerpt] I found this piece about Mary Bradbury in a New York Times article in 1779:

“Among the persons thus charged with witchcraft was Mary Bradbury, a woman of 75 years. The wife of one of the most prominent and honorable citizens of the town of Salisbury. She was a woman of exceptionally high standing in Christian life and character. She and her husband had been residents of Salisbury for over 50 years and were the lifelong friends of Robert Pike. Their son, Wymond Bradbury, had married Sarah Pike, eldest daughter of Robert, 30 years before. The families were thus associated by ties of the most intimate character. On the arrest of Mary Bradbury, Robert Pike naturally entered into the case with all the zeal and energy of his nature. If anything was wanting beyond the native impulses of his character to induce him to embark in opposition to the fanatical storm then raging, we have it in this family connection. He was, however, unable to obtain Mary Bradbury’s acquittal. She was convicted along with five others, but escaped for some reason now unknown.”

May 1701 – In the London Newspapers: “The Queen has issued out an order to regulate the apparel of ladies, in which there are great alterations. Her majesty is shortly expected here to take upon her the Regency of the Kingdom and in the meantime Cardinal Portocarrero has the sole administration of affairs”. ~ London

As early as 1728 women were working at the post office in Dublin as evident in the following newspaper article dated November 26, 1728: “(Dublin) We have a melancholy account from Mountmelick, of one Mr. John Moore, an eminent farmer who after two years constant address to Mrs. Crosdale, Postmistress of that place; a widow did some day last week accost the lady in her garden and desired to know if she would consent to marry him. When she absolutely refusing, he pulled out two pistols and discharged them both in his body, upon which he immediately died. Tis observable, both persons are above 50 years old each.” ~ Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, Scotland

July 16, 1794 – “United States, (Richmond, VA) By the Governor of the commonwealth of Virginia, a Proclamation whereas I have received information that some wicked and evil disposed person or persons, whose names are unknown, did, during the night, feloniously steal and take away two children of Peggy Howell. A free mulatto living in the county of Charlotte with a design as it is supposed, to sell them in some of the neighboring states as slaves. And whereas the rights of humanity are deeply interested in the restoration of the children to their parent, and the order of society is involved in the punishment of the offenders I do by the advice of the Council of State, issue this my Proclamation, offering a reward of fifty dollars for the recovery of each of the said children and the further sum of one hundred dollars for apprehending and securing in the public jail of Charlotte County the offenders.
Given under my hand as Governor, Henry Lee

(N.B.) The children were both boys between four and five years old. One named Peter, the other named Edmond.” ~ Gazette of the United States, Philadelphia

Women in the Americas had to take their case to court to get any form of payment or pension for their military service: April 4, 1795 – “A female citizen appeared at the court upon crutches. Having devoted herself to the care of the sick in the advanced post of the army she had her thigh broke by a bomb shell. She prays for relief. Referred to a committee directed to report back tomorrow.” ~ Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, PA