Mary Draper facts for kids

Mary Aldis Draper (born April 4, 1719 – died November 20, 1810) was an important woman during the American Revolution. She is remembered for helping soldiers of the Continental Army with food, supplies, and care.

Who Was Mary Draper?

Mary Aldis was born on April 4, 1719, in Dedham, Massachusetts. Her parents were Nathan Aldis and Mary Chickering. She first married Abel Allen in 1739 and became Mary Allen.

Later, in 1743, she married Moses Draper. She then became known as Mary Draper. The Drapers lived on a successful farm with a dairy near Dedham and Roxbury.

Her Family Life

Mary and Moses Draper had six children: one daughter and five sons. When the war began, her children were grown up. Her oldest son, Moses, was 31 and had his own family.

Moses Draper Jr. joined the fight for freedom. He was a second lieutenant in the Roxbury minute men. These were local soldiers ready to fight at a moment's notice. Mary's youngest son was 13 years old at the time.

The Start of the American Revolution

The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775. This day saw the famous Battle of Lexington and the start of the Siege of Boston. Colonists were warned by special riders that British soldiers, called Redcoats, were on the move.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord

Frank T. Merrill's painting of the North Bridge, Concord, 1775. The first shots of the American Revolution were fired here.

The battles at Lexington Green and the North Bridge in Concord marked the beginning of the war. These events are often called "the shot heard round the world." Many colonists quickly gathered to support the Massachusetts militia and fight for their freedom.

How Mary Draper Helped the Soldiers

Mary Draper's farm was located on the Old Post Road. This was a main route between Providence, Rhode Island and Boston. Many soldiers from Connecticut and Rhode Island marched past her home on their way to the battlefields.

Providing Food and Drink

Mary Draper quickly decided to help these brave soldiers. She, her daughter Kate, and a servant named Molly worked tirelessly. They used food from their farm's storage areas and dairy.

They baked brown bread day and night. When their own supplies ran low, kind neighbors helped them. Mary set up a long table by the road. She offered bread, cheese, and apple cider to the hundreds of men passing by.

She had help from John, a veteran of earlier wars, and two young boys. They made sure every soldier received a meal. Mary continued to provide food for soldiers throughout the war, though the first days were the busiest.

Making Ammunition

General George Washington asked citizens to donate metal to make bullets. Mary Draper responded to this call. She melted down her own pewter dishes, platters, and pans.

Using bullet molds, she created ammunition for the soldiers. This was a vital contribution to the ongoing Siege of Boston.

Clothing and Care for Soldiers

Mary Draper's Home, West Roxbury and Dedham, Massachusetts

Mary also used wool from her sheep. With her daughter and a maid, she spun the wool into yarn. Then, they wove it into fabric to make warm coats and blankets for the soldiers.

They also turned sheets into shirts. Mary was known for her kindness. She often welcomed people in need of a place to stay into her home. She also provided medical care to soldiers during the war.

Her Last Years and Legacy

Mary Draper passed away in Dedham, Massachusetts, on November 20, 1810. She was buried in a small graveyard in West Roxbury. She rests beside early settlers James Draper and his wife Miriam.

In 1896, a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was named after her. This chapter is in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Its motto is: "Our country, to be cherished in all our hearts, to be defended by all our hands." This shows how much her contributions were valued.