Sunday, March 16, 2014

Mary Elizabeth Bowser (March 16, 2014) ( Feminist Paper Doll Project 2014)

March 16, 2014
Mary Elizabeth Bowser

Mary Elizabeth Bowser was freed by Elizabeth Van Lew when Van Lew's husband died. Although not written into his will, Van Lew freed all the estate's slaves and then sent Mary Elizabeth Bowser to school in Philadelphia. Bowser then returned to be in Van Lew's employ.
Van Lew's daughter was a spy for the Union forces and sent Bowser to "work" for Jefferson Davis. Davis did not know that Bowser could read or write. As such Bowser would send back information to Van Lew and the Union as journals and other materials were left out. 

More about Mary Elizabeth Bowser here:http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/mary-elizabeth-bowser-cunning-and-dedicated

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