Anne Bailey facts for kids

Anne Bailey (born in 1742 – died in 1825) was a brave American frontier scout. She was born in England but became famous in America. Anne helped during the American Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War. She is best known for a daring solo ride. This ride helped save a settlement that needed gunpowder. Her bravery inspired a poem called "Anne Bailey's Ride." People often called her the Heroine of the Kanawha Valley.

Early Life

A plaque near where Anne Bailey once lived in Virginia.

"Mad Anne" Bailey was born in Liverpool, England. When she was about 19, she moved to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. This was after her parents passed away in 1760.

In 1765, Anne married Richard Trotter, a British soldier. Sadly, Richard was killed in 1774. He died fighting the Shawnee tribe at the Battle of Point Pleasant. This event changed Anne's life forever.

A Life of Service

After Richard's death, Anne made a big decision. She left her son, William, with a neighbor. Then, she joined the local militia, a group of citizen soldiers. Anne became a scout and a messenger during the Revolutionary War. She helped in battles against Native American tribes. The Shawnee people gave her the nickname "Mad Anne." She was also known as the "White Squaw of Kanawha."

In 1788, Anne married John Bailey, another frontiersman. They were stationed at Fort Lee. Anne continued to serve the U.S. military. She patrolled the frontier and carried messages between forts.

In 1791, Fort Lee was in danger. They desperately needed ammunition. Anne made a legendary 100-mile ride to Fort Savannah in Lewisburg. She rode through the wilderness alone. Her successful journey saved Fort Lee. She continued her service until 1795. This was when the Treaty of Greenville ended the Northwest Indian War.

Sadly, John Bailey was killed in 1794. After his death, Anne lived with her son. But she still loved to travel and visit friends. She even traveled to Alabama to see her stepson. Later, when her son and his family moved to Gallia County, Ohio, Anne went with them. She kept traveling until she died.

Later Years and Legacy

Anne Bailey passed away in Ohio in 1825. She was 83 years old. In 1901, her remains were moved. They were reburied in Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The museum there displays some of her belongings.

Anne Bailey is remembered as a true pioneer. Several places are named after her. These include Anne Bailey Elementary in West Virginia. There is also a Daughters of the American Revolution chapter named for her. A lookout tower in Watoga State Park also honors her memory.

Literature

• Crook, Valerie F. Historic Ride of "Mad" Anne Bailey, extracted from The History of West Virginia, Old and New, Vol. I, pg. 99-100, by James Morton Callahan, 1923.
• Hill, Frank. The True Life of Anne Bailey. 1979. Reprinted by The Gallia County Historical Society, Gallipolis, OH.
• Hollis, Suzanne. "Anne Bailey" in Women Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War (http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvets.html). 1996. ed. by Captain Barbara A. Wilson, USAF (Ret.).
• Howe, Henry. Historical Collections of Ohio. Norwalk, O.: State of Ohio, Laning Printing Co., 1888.
• Laidley, W. S. History of Charleston and Kanawha County, West Virginia. Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., 1911. pg. 81–85.
• Lautenschlager, Hedda. In American National Biography, Vol. 1, pg. 874–5. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Lewis, Virgil A., Life and Times of Anne Bailey, the Pioneer Heroine of the Great Kanawha Valley. Charleston, WV: The Butler Printing Company, 1891.