Rosanna Waters Farrow facts for kids
Rosanna Farrow (born Rosanna Waters; June 1, 1734 – 1800) was a brave woman during the American Revolutionary War. She is remembered as a heroine because she saved three of her sons from being executed by the British army. Her story shows the courage of many ordinary people during this important time in American history.
Early Life and Family
Rosanna Waters was born on June 1, 1734, in Prince William County, Virginia. Her parents were Philemon Waters and Sarah Bordroyne. Rosanna had a twin brother, Philemon Waters, Jr. He was also a soldier, fighting in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.
Rosanna Waters married John Thomas Farrow (1727–1776). Around 1764, the Farrow family moved to what is now Spartanburg, South Carolina. They settled near the Enoree River. In 1776, John Thomas Farrow sadly died from smallpox. He was on his way home from a trip to Virginia. Rosanna and John Thomas Farrow had eight children together:
- Sarah Farrow (1752–1796) married Thomas Miles, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He fought in the Battle of Cowpens.
- Thomas Farrow (1755–1843) was wounded in the hip during the Battle of Cowpens.
- John Farrow (1757–1843) stayed to guard his brother Thomas after he was hurt.
- Landon Farrow (1759–1799) was captured and held on a prison ship in Charleston.
- Samuel Farrow (1762–1824) fought in the Battle of Musgrove Mill.
- Mary Farrow (1764–1843) married John James Clayton.
- Jane Farrow (1768–1828) married Spencer Bobo.
- William Farrow (1771–1852)
Rosanna Farrow: A Revolutionary War Heroine
After her husband died in 1776, Rosanna Waters Farrow had to raise her eight children by herself. Their home was in an area where many neighbors supported the British, known as Tories. When her older sons left to fight for American independence, Rosanna and her younger children were left without much protection.
Still, Rosanna was very proud that four of her sons were fighting for freedom. At home, Rosanna and her daughters often had to hide food. They even slept with pistols or other weapons nearby, just in case they needed to defend themselves.
Saving Her Sons from the British
One night in 1780, the Farrow family was woken by a message. Someone at their gate told them that three of Rosanna's sons had been captured by the British. They were being held prisoner at Ninety-Six District, South Carolina. Rosanna heard that the British Colonel John Cruger might release her sons. He would do this in exchange for British prisoners held by the Americans.
Rosanna Waters Farrow quickly decided to act. She told her daughters to keep the windows and doors closed. They were only to let friends into the house. Rosanna then grabbed a rifle and saddled the only horse left on their farm. She rode off into the dark night, determined to rescue her sons.
She arrived at the American patriot camp and spoke with James Williams (Revolutionary War). She asked him to give her six captured British soldiers and a guard. She needed them to make the exchange with the British. Williams agreed to her request. Rosanna then set off towards the British camp.
She arrived just in time! The British were getting ready to hang her sons at sunrise. After the exchange was made, Rosanna Waters Farrow reportedly told Colonel John Cruger, "I have given you two for one, Colonel Cruger, but understand that I consider it the best trade I ever made, for rest assured hereafter the 'Farrow boys' will whip you four to one." This showed her strong spirit and confidence in her sons.