Mary Draper facts for kids

Mary Alvis Draper (born April 4, 1719 – died 1810) was a brave woman who helped the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Her story is shared in a book called The Women of the American Revolution by Elizabeth F. Ellet.

Mary Alvis was born to Nathaniel Alvis and Mary Chickering. She had one sister, one half-sister, and one half-brother. Before marrying Captain Moses Draper of Dedham, Massachusetts, she had been married once before. Mary and Moses Draper had six children together: five boys and one girl.

Mary Draper's Patriotism

Mary and Moses Draper were very patriotic. They used all their resources to help the soldiers. They gave out large amounts of cheese and bread to feed the hungry troops. Moses Draper had bought a special mold for making bullets. Mary Draper used her own platters, pans, and dishes. She melted them down to make bullets for the Continental Army's guns. This showed how much they supported the fight for freedom.

Helping the Soldiers

In 1775, Mary Draper became a widow again at 56 years old. This was just three months before the important Battle of Lexington. Her oldest son, Moses, who was 31 and had his own family, joined the Patriot army. Mary Draper continued to help as much as she could.

She provided food for the soldiers and cared for the wounded. She also opened her home to many people who had lost their homes because of the war. Two neighbor boys helped her pour large pails of cider for the soldiers. When her own food supplies started to run low, her neighbors stepped in to help. They continued to assist until the worst of the need had passed.

Making Clothes and Supplies

Mary Draper, her daughter Kate, and their maid worked hard to make clothes for the soldiers. They used their own cloth to make coats for the Colonial soldiers. Sheets and blankets were turned into shirts. Even Mary's own flannel clothes were remade into clothing for the men.

She also melted down valuable family heirlooms. These precious items were turned into bullets for the soldiers. Mary Draper was a big influence during the American Revolution. She strongly believed that America should fight for its freedom. She lived to be 91 years old, passing away in 1810.