Penelope Barker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Penelope Barker
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| Born |
Penelope Pagett
June 17th, 1728 |
| Died | 1796 (aged 67–68) |
| Occupation | Activist during the American Revolution |
| Spouse(s) | John Hodgson, James Craven, Thomas Barker |
Penelope Barker was an important woman during the American Revolution. She was born on June 17, 1728, and lived until 1796. In 1774, she organized a special event called the Edenton Tea Party. This event was a way for women to protest British goods.
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Penelope Barker's Early Life
Penelope Barker was born in Edenton, North Carolina, on June 17, 1728. She was one of three daughters. Her father, Samuel Padgett, was a doctor. Penelope faced many challenges early in life. Her father and sister, Elizabeth, both passed away. This meant Penelope had to help raise her sister's children.
At just 17 years old, Penelope married John Hodgson in 1745. He was her deceased sister's husband. Sadly, John died only two years later. Penelope was left to care for her two young sons and her sister's three children.
In 1751, Penelope married again to James Craven. He was a wealthy farmer. When he died in 1755, Penelope inherited all his property. This made her the richest woman in the Province of North Carolina.
Managing Her Home and Family
Penelope married for a third time to Thomas Barker. He was a lawyer in Edenton and 16 years older than her. They had three children, but sadly, all of them died very young.
Thomas Barker often traveled to England to represent North Carolina. In 1761, he went there but could not return home for many years. This was because the British had blocked American ships. While her husband was away, Penelope managed their homes and lands all by herself.
Thomas finally returned in 1778. Later, in 1782, he and Penelope built a house together. Today, this house is known as the Barker House. Penelope lived seven years longer than her husband. She passed away in 1796. Penelope and Thomas are buried together at the Johnston family graveyard. It is located near Edenton at Hayes Plantation.
Women's Role in the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, women played a very important part. They were the main buyers of British teas and fabrics. To support the fight for freedom, many women decided to stop buying these British goods. This was called a boycott.
Women also formed groups to encourage others to join the boycott. They signed official statements, like the one for the Edenton Tea Party. They even made their own teas from local plants. These included mulberry leaves, lavender, and other herbs.
The Edenton Tea Party
Penelope Barker was known as a true supporter of the American Revolution. About ten months after the famous Boston Tea Party, she organized her own "Tea Party." Penelope wrote a statement asking people to stop buying British goods.
On October 25, 1774, Penelope and about 50 other women met at Elizabeth King's house. They all signed the Edenton Tea Party resolution. This resolution stated: "We, the aforesaid Lady's will not promote ye wear of any manufacturer from England until such time that all acts which tend to enslave our Native country shall be repealed." This event was one of the first recorded political protests by women in the Americas.
How People Reacted to the Protest
Penelope Barker sent this petition to London. It caused a lot of discussion about the women involved. In the American colonies, people praised the women. However, in London newspapers, the women were made fun of.
A political cartoon was published in London. It showed the women in a negative way. It suggested they were bad mothers and behaved poorly. Men in London said that these women were not acting as women were expected to.
