Elizabeth Graeme Ferguson
Encyclopedia
Elizabeth Graeme Ferguson (Betsy Graeme; February 3, 1737 – February 23, 1801) was an American poet and writer.
Born to a wealthy family, her youth was spent at the family estate of Graeme Park
outside Philadelphia. She was engaged to William Franklin
, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin
, about 1757, but they were never married because of opposition by both families. She traveled to London, England, 1764–1765. After her mother died in 1765, she inherited the Graeme Park estate. There, she established a literary salon on the European pattern. She translated Telemachus
into English verse (as The Adventures of Telemachus. A Poem Translated from the French [of Felenon]) and wrote poetry, but few of her works were published.
In 1772 she was married to Henry H. Ferguson, but her husband spent much of his time in England. During the American Revolution
her husband had loyalist sympathies
. He asked her to carry a letter, written by Reverend Jacob Duché
, to George Washington
, asking the General to surrender, but he declined. For her husband's part in the war, Graeme Park was confiscated. However, she regained the estate in 1781, then finally lost it for good in 1791 because of financial difficulties.
She is buried in the historic churchyard of Christ Church in Philadelphia.
Born to a wealthy family, her youth was spent at the family estate of Graeme Park
Graeme Park
Graeme Park is an historic site in Horsham, Montgomery County. It is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and operated by the non-profit group, The Friends of Graeme Park. It is the only surviving residence of a colonial-era Pennsylvania governor...
outside Philadelphia. She was engaged to William Franklin
William Franklin
William Franklin was an American soldier and colonial administrator. He served as the last Colonial Governor of New Jersey. Franklin was a steadfast Loyalist throughout the American War of Independence, despite his father Benjamin Franklin's role as one of the most prominent Patriots during the...
, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
, about 1757, but they were never married because of opposition by both families. She traveled to London, England, 1764–1765. After her mother died in 1765, she inherited the Graeme Park estate. There, she established a literary salon on the European pattern. She translated Telemachus
Telemachus
Telemachus is a figure in Greek mythology, the son of Odysseus and Penelope, and a central character in Homer's Odyssey. The first four books in particular focus on Telemachus' journeys in search of news about his father, who has been away at war...
into English verse (as The Adventures of Telemachus. A Poem Translated from the French [of Felenon]) and wrote poetry, but few of her works were published.
In 1772 she was married to Henry H. Ferguson, but her husband spent much of his time in England. During the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
her husband had loyalist sympathies
Loyalist (American Revolution)
Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. At the time they were often called Tories, Royalists, or King's Men. They were opposed by the Patriots, those who supported the revolution...
. He asked her to carry a letter, written by Reverend Jacob Duché
Jacob Duché
The Reverend Jacob Duché was a Rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the first chaplain to the Continental Congress....
, to George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, asking the General to surrender, but he declined. For her husband's part in the war, Graeme Park was confiscated. However, she regained the estate in 1781, then finally lost it for good in 1791 because of financial difficulties.
She is buried in the historic churchyard of Christ Church in Philadelphia.