Emily Geiger facts for kids

Emily Geiger (1765–1825) was a brave young woman during the American Revolutionary War. She worked as a messenger for the Patriots. Once, she was captured by Loyalists while carrying a secret message. This message was for General Nathanael Greene. To keep the message safe, Emily ate it! After she was released, she delivered the message by telling it to the right person.

Emily Geiger's Early Life

Emily Geiger's family came from a village called Wydnau in Zurich, Switzerland. They arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1737. Her family then settled in Saxe Gotha, South Carolina. Emily later married John Threwits. They had one child together, a daughter named Elizabeth Juliet Threwits.

Emily's Role in the Revolutionary War

In 1781, General Nathanael Greene needed to send an important message. He wanted to join forces with General Thomas Sumter. Their goal was to attack Lord Rawdon's forces. But getting the message to General Sumter was very risky.

Emily Geiger bravely volunteered for this dangerous mission. General Greene agreed to let her go. He wrote a secret letter and gave it to Emily. He also told her what the letter said, just in case she was captured. Emily pretended she was simply visiting her Uncle Jacob's house.

Emily's Capture and Clever Plan

On the second day of her journey, Lord Rawdon's scouts stopped Emily. This happened near the Congaree River. Since she was coming from General Greene's army, they suspected she was a Patriot spy. They arrested her and held her at Fort Granby.

Because Emily was a woman, the soldiers waited for a female Loyalist to arrive. This woman would search Emily. While she waited, Emily quickly tore the secret message into tiny pieces. Then, she ate every single piece! When the female Loyalist arrived to search her, she found nothing.

The soldiers had to let Emily go. They even sent someone to go with her to her Uncle Jacob's house. Once she was safe, Emily found General Sumter. She then delivered the entire message to him by telling him everything she had memorized.

Honoring Emily Geiger

Emily Geiger is remembered for her courage and quick thinking.

• She rode her horse using a sidesaddle during her journey.
• Several groups have been named after her. Three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in South Carolina were named for Emily Geiger. One of these chapters still exists today.
• Her grave marker was moved in 1958 to the Geiger Cemetery.
• The woman holding a laurel branch on the South Carolina State Seal represents Emily Geiger. This honors her heroic ride.
• There are also monuments to her bravery. You can find them at the Cayce history museum and the South Carolina statehouse (Capitol).