Ann Wood Henry facts for kids

Ann Wood Henry (born January 21, 1734 – died March 8, 1799) was a very important woman in Pennsylvania's history. She became the first woman to hold a public job in the state! Ann served as the treasurer for Lancaster County. She was married to William Henry, who was a gunsmith, an inventor, and a brave supporter of the American Revolution. He also helped lead the country in the Continental Congress.

Ann's Early Life and Family

Ann Wood was born in Burlington, Province of New Jersey, on January 21, 1734. In 1756, she married William Henry. They had a large family with thirteen children!

Some of their children grew up to be important people. Their son, John Joseph Henry, became a judge. Another son, also named William Henry, continued his father's gunsmith business in Nazareth. They also had a son named Benjamin West Henry, who became a painter. He was named after a famous artist, Benjamin West, who once stayed with the Henry family. Benjamin West even painted pictures of Ann and William Henry.

Life During the American Revolution

Ann Henry was a busy woman who managed her large household. Her husband, William, held many important roles in the government and military. When William went off to fight during the Revolutionary War, Ann took over many of his responsibilities at home.

Their home in Lancaster became a key meeting place during the war. Important people like David Rittenhouse, who was Pennsylvania's treasurer, stayed there. Thomas Paine, a famous writer, also stayed with them and wrote some of his important works there.

Becoming a Public Official

After her husband, William Henry, passed away, Ann took on a new and very important role. She became the treasurer of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This was the same job her husband had held.

Ann served for the rest of her husband's term and then for her own full term. This made her the first woman in Pennsylvania's history to hold a public office! She showed that women could take on important leadership roles.

Ann Wood Henry died on January 8, 1799. She was buried two days later in the Moravian cemetery in Lancaster.