Lucy Flucker Knox facts for kids

Lucy Flucker Knox (born August 2, 1756 – died June 20, 1824) was an important American woman during the American Revolutionary War. She was the daughter of a British colonial official, Thomas Flucker. Lucy married Henry Knox, who became a top officer in the Continental Army. Lucy often joined Henry at the army camps during the war. She stayed with him until he left the army in 1794.

Growing Up: Lucy's Early Life

Lucy was born into a very rich family. Her father, Thomas Flucker, worked for the British government. He wanted Lucy to marry someone from a very high social class. But in June 1774, Lucy married Henry Knox (1750–1806). At that time, Henry was a merchant, which meant he owned a bookstore. Lucy's parents did not approve of this marriage. They cut ties with her. After the city of Boston was taken over, her family left for London. Lucy never saw them again.

Lucy was lucky to be born into a wealthy family that supported the British King (called Loyalists). This meant she was taught at home and had many books to read. Even for a rich woman, people said she read a lot. Lucy often visited Henry Knox's bookstore. That is where they first met.

Life During the American Revolution

During most of the American Revolutionary War, Lucy and her husband, Henry, were apart. Lucy could not visit the army camps as often as other officers' wives. This was because she had already given up so much for the American cause, like her family. Henry did not want her to see all the hardship of war.

Even though they were separated, Lucy and Henry kept their love strong. They wrote many letters to each other. These letters are now kept at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. They show what life was like for someone very close to George Washington. They also give a look into the life of a war hero's wife.

Lucy's Family Life

Lucy married Henry Knox in Boston on June 16, 1774. She did this even though her parents, who supported the British, did not want her to. Her father, Thomas Flucker, was a top official for the British in Massachusetts. Her mother, Hannah Waldo Flucker, was set to inherit a lot of land in Maine. After the fighting started in Lexington and Concord in April 1775, Lucy's relationship with her parents ended.

Henry was an expert with cannons. He joined the Continental Army during the Revolution. He eventually became a general. Lucy followed him to the army camps during the war. While at the camps, she gave birth to several children. Sadly, some of them died. Because Lucy came from a wealthy background, she helped plan and lead army parties. She also helped with events after the war, like George Washington's inauguration. Lucy had thirteen children in total, but only three lived to be adults.

In 1795, the Knox family moved to what is now Rockland, Maine. This land was part of Lucy's inheritance from her mother's family. There, she and Henry built a large house with nineteen rooms. They named it Montpelier. They often had many guests there. Henry died in October 1806, leaving Lucy a widow. Lucy was heartbroken and did not have much money. She died in October 1824.

One of their children was Lucy Flucker Knox Thatcher. Her son, Henry Thatcher, later became an admiral in the American Civil War.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Knox's daughter, Lucy Flucker Knox Thatcher by Albert Gallatin Hoit