The Journey of the Mayflower

By Elaine Marie Cooper I

t’s been called the most important journey in history. Indeed, the three thousand miles across the Atlantic Ocean, undertaken by 102 passengers on board the ship called Mayflower, changed the future of America, England and the politics of the world. Sixty-six days on water, that changed the course of history, starting in 1620. The journey began in Leiden, Holland. Many of the “Separatists” as these Puritans were called, had escaped there to be allowed to practice Christianity without being forced into the Church of England. Staying in England put these believers at risk of being fined, imprisoned, or even sentenced to death. 

But the very freedom in Holland that allowed the Pilgrims to worship as they wished, also allowed other beliefs and behaviors that the English Christians found offensive. Their children were becoming too “Dutch.” Purchasing a small vessel called the Speedwell, these pilgrims were intent upon sailing to the New World, rather than risk the adversities in both England and Holland. On July 22, 1620. The Speedwell took off from the Port of Delfshaven to join the other Separatists in Southhampton, England. There, they met up with the Mayflower.

On August 15, the two ships with their passengers joined together and sailed for the New World. The Speedwell, however, “Leaked like a sieve.” Both ships turned back for England. Those Pilgrims intent upon completing the journey, boarded the Mayflower, and left Plymouth on September 6, 1620. By now, the travelers were at great risk of running into dangerous weather conditions. Ideally, they should have left in April or May at the latest. To leave in the Fall was considered by some to be “foolhardy.” Those fears of the experienced naysayers were played out in the treacherous journey that ensued:

When October arrived, so did the high winds and waves. Separatist passenger William Bradford, later to become Governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote in Chapter 9 Of Plymouth Plantation, “In many of these storms the winds were so fierce, and the seas so high, as they could not bear a knot of sail, but were forced to heave to [face into the wind to stop the ship], for many days together.” 

“Today in Our History – Adventures on the Atlantic in 1620” 

 During an especially fierce storm that autumn, a main beam cracked, causing fear even among the experienced sailors. A great iron screw brought onboard by the Separatists, secured the beam in what many believed was a providential rescue from a watery grave. Many of the passengers suffered greatly from seasickness. The stench of vomit in the close quarters below deck as well as the chamber pots that had to sit for long periods of time before they could be thrown out into the ocean, added to the nauseating voyage. 

With three of the women onboard the Mayflower pregnant, it’s difficult to imagine their distress onboard. The baby boy of passengers Elizabeth and Stephen Hopkins was born on the ship and named “Oceanus.” All of the storms endured on the voyage darkened the sky with clouds, preventing the ship’s crew from navigating the stars. This lack of direction led the ship to head further north than planned. While they were headed toward Virginia, they ended up landing in what became New England. After docking in Cape Cod Harbor, another baby boy was birthed. Susanna and William White called him “Peregrine” which means, “traveler.”

After landing at Cape Cod, the Pilgrims were face-to-face with many natives who had long inhabited the “New” World. A member of the Patuxet tribe named Squanto began to speak in English to the astonished Pilgrims. Years prior, Squanto had been kidnaped by an English explorer who brought the native to Spain. There he was sold into slavery. Squanto escaped and finally made it home to the Patuxet region in 1619—just in time to be an interpreter for the passengers. 

 That first winter was harsh and deadly. Fully half their number of 102 Pilgrims died of illness in that first year. The following November the survivors were able to celebrate a meal of thanks for God’s many provisions and for their survival.  

When I think of all the trials endured by John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, I am truly astonished. Priscilla was the sole survivor in her family, losing her father, mother, and younger brother that winter. John Alden was the ship’s cooper, or barrel maker. He had come onboard as part of the crew and was the only member of the workers to remain behind when the vessel returned to England. 

Before the Atlantic crossing, the future couple had never met. When they fell in love is the subject of fictional romantic speculation. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow shone the spotlight on the young couple in his poem, “The Courtship of Myles Standish.” Henry is also a descendant of John and Priscilla. 

 John rose to become a prominent member of Plymouth Colony. He was a signer of the Mayflower Compact and for many years, served as an assistant to the Governor. About 1623, Priscilla and John married and had 10 children. Those ten, produced 70 grandchildren! It’s no wonder their descendants are numbered near a million or more. 

 I am descended from Ruth Alden, the couple’s 6th child. I am the 6th child in my own family. ;) When I first learned from my mother’s cousin that I was a descendant, I was delighted. I had spent many years living in Massachusetts and I’d always felt such a connection to that state. Knowing the Aldens’ were my ancestors sealed the deal for me. My roots truly belonged in New England.

Award-winning author, Elaine Marie Cooper, never thought she’d see her name listed on published books. Now researching her eighth novel and ninth book, she is too caught up in her passion to write to stop any time soon. She says the Lord called her to create books and she’ll obey that calling until He says to stop. Her most recent releases are “Scarred Vessels,” winner of the 2021 Selah Award, and “Love’s Kindling,” finalist in the 2020 Selah Award, and Book 1 in the Dawn of America series. Her only non-fiction release is the memoir of her daughter, Bethany who passed away from a brain tumor in 2003. It was also a Selah Winner in 2015. Cooper is a mom of 2 grown sons and GiGi to 5 of “the most beautiful grandchildren ever. https://www.mayflower400uk.org/education/my-mayflower/the-mayflower-400th-anniversary-special-history-hit-live/the-mayflower-400th-anniversary-special-history-hit-live/

Sarah Josepha Hale: Author, Influencer, and "The Mother of Thanksgiving"

By Elaine Marie Cooper Until very recently, I’d never heard of Sarah Josepha Hale. But after reading about her, I may now be one of her biggest admirers.

She was born in 1788 in Newport, New Hampshire to a veteran of the American Revolution and his wife. Sarah’s parents both believed in education for their sons as well as their daughters, a rare concept in that day. She was homeschooled by her mother and her brother, Horatio, who had attended Dartmouth. She also excelled at self-learning. She became a local schoolteacher and, in 1811, she met David Hale, a lawyer, who supported Sarah in her scholarly endeavors. The couple married in 1813 and had five children. Sadly, David died shortly after the birth of their last child in 1822. According to the National Women’s Historical Society, “Sarah was so grief-stricken, she wore black for 57 years until her own death in 1879.”

Prior to David’s death, Sarah had been a rather quiet, unassuming woman devoted to her home and family. Widowhood forced her to consider other means of income and she began writing poetry. In 1823, with the financial help of her husband’s Freemason lodge, Sarah published a collection of her poetry entitled, The Genius of Oblivion. Four years later, she published her first novel, Northwood, North and South. She became one of the first novelist to write about slavery. The story supported relocating slaves to freedom in Liberia. Sarah Hale is best known for her famous book, Poems for our Children. It included a beloved story from her childhood. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was instantly successful as a favorite nursery rhyme.

In 1828, the Rev. John Blake asked her to accept the position of editor at The Ladies Magazine. She enthusiastically accepted, although she let it be known that she preferred the title of “editress.” The editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book bought the Ladies Magazine and Sarah Hale became editor. She insisted that she edit from Boston so she could be close to her youngest son, William, who attended Harvard.

She remained editor at Godey’s for forty years until she was nearly 90. Godey’s readership was the largest of its day, with over 150,000 subscribers. Both Godey’s and Sarah were considered the largest influencers on American life during that time. But Sarah Hale’s influence expanded beyond literature. She found worthy causes that she supported wholeheartedly. She raised $30,000 for the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument. When construction stalled, she didn’t give up. She asked her readers to donate one dollar each. The she organized a craft fair in the Quincy Market where shoppers could purchase handmade quilts, jewelry, baskets and signed letters by Washington, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Through her efforts, the 221-foot obelisk was completed. Sarah supported the preservation of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon plantation. She hoped it would be a symbol of unity that both the Northern and the Southern states could agree upon.

In 1846, before the Civil War, Sarah could see the divisiveness growing in the United States. She wrote a letter to President Zachary Taylor to encourage the formation of a national holiday called Thanksgiving. He declined. She did not give up. She continued her efforts by writing to President Fillmore. Then Presidents Pierce and Buchanan. Finally, she wrote to President Abraham Lincoln, as well as Secretary of State, William Seward. They received the letters in 1863 following the Battle of Gettysburg. Within a week, Seward had drafted Lincoln’s official proclamation, fixing the national holiday on the final Thursday of every November. It was a move the two men hoped would help “heal the wounds of a nation.” Sarah Hale’s nickname became the “Mother of Thanksgiving.” Sarah Hale continued to write many novels and poems. In 1877, Thomas Edison used the opening lines of her beloved nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as his first attempt to record his voice on a phonograph. It recorded it, much to his surprise. Hale was a combination of fiercely feminine while espousing the rights of women to be well educated, own property, and be in the workplace. She drew the line at women being politically active, encouraging them to “shape the morality of society.” Through her writings, she hoped that “women would be a force of peace and stability, fully separate from the partisan political divides that preoccupied their men.” The woman who influenced so many in the 19th century, closed her eyes in sleep at her home in Philadelphia, on April 30, 1879.

For more information on Sarah Josepha Hale: https://www.history.com/news/abraham-lincoln-and-the-mother-of-thanksgiving https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sarah-hale https://www.nationalwomenshistoricalsociety.org/blog/2018/11/18/sarah-josepha-hale https://blog.myheritage.com/2015/11/thanksgiving-how-it-all-began/

Award-winning author, Elaine Marie Cooper, never thought she’d see her name listed on published books. Now researching her eighth novel and ninth book, she is too caught up in her passion to write to stop any time soon. She says the Lord called her to create books and she’ll obey that calling until He says to stop. Her most recent releases are “Scarred Vessels,” winner of the 2021 Selah Award, and “Love’s Kindling,” finalist in the 2020 Selah Award, and Book 1 in the Dawn of America series. Her only non-fiction release is the memoir of her daughter, Bethany who passed away from a brain tumor in 2003. It was also a Selah Winner in 2015. Cooper is a mom of 2 grown sons and GiGi to 5 of “the most beautiful grandchildren ever.”

Worst Winter of the American Revolution

Elaine Marie Cooper The most infamous winter of the Revolutionary War was not the frequently mentioned winter of 1777 to ‘78 at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. While it was considered moderately cold, it was the lack of clothing, sufficient food, and poor housing that brought the image of bloodied footprints in the snow when the troops marched into camp. While that was a painful image to imagine, the winter that year was moderate compared to another winter just two years later: The encampment at Morristown, New Jersey.

The weather conditions during the winters of the American Revolution were described this way: 1775-1776   Moderate 1776-1777   Moderate 1777-1778   Moderate 1778-1779   Mild 1779-1780   Severe 1780-1781   Mild 1781-1782   Severe (https://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/history/weather.html) The winter of 1779-80 will be featured in Book 2 of my Dawn of America series, to be released in 2022. Book 2 is called “Winter’s Ravage.” (Book 1 is “Love’s Kindling”)

Somehow the title seems appropriate when one considers there were 28 snowstorms that year as well as deadly illnesses, plunging temperatures, and serious lack of food for the troops. It got so bad that Washington wrote to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and pleaded with them to send help.

Gentlemen, The present situation of the army with respect to provisions is the most distressing of any we have experienced since the beginning of the war. For a fortnight past the troops, both officers and men, have been almost perishing for want. They have been alternately without bread or meat; the whole time with a very scanty allowance of either, and frequently destitute of both. They have borne their sufferings with a patience that merits the approbation, and ought to excite the sympathy of their countrymen. But they are now reduced to an extremity no longer to be supported. The distress has in some instances prompted ⟨the⟩ men to commit depr⟨eda⟩tions on the property of the inhabitants, whi⟨ch⟩ at any other period would be punished with exemplary severity…. The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commencement and uncommon rigor of the winter, which have greatly obstructed the transportation of ⟨our⟩ supplies. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-24-02-0039) Private Joseph Plumb Martin, who wrote his memoirs of the war late in his life, penned that his constant companions in Morristown were “Fatigue, Hunger, and Cold.” He described eating “a little black birch bark which I gnawed off a stick of wood, if that can be called victuals.” The Congress, who believed conditions could not possibly be as bad as that which were described, sent delegates to see firsthand. What the delegates found were conditions even worse than described by General Washington. “Extreme cold proved to be one of the army’s greatest trials during the winter at Morristown. Though Valley Forge is remembered for its harsh conditions, that winter in Morristown, Washington’s troops faced even bitterer cold than they had witnessed in Pennsylvania a few years before. Known as “the hard winter,” the season bridging the end of 1779 and early 1780 proved to be one of the coldest on record. Morristown received twenty-eight snowfalls during the Continental Army’s residence there, adding to the miserable conditions the troops faced in the wake of the shortages of food and Supplies (https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/washingtons-encampment-morristown-new-jersey-and-hard-winter-1779-1780) “According to some sources, soldiers were so desperate for food that they ate tree bark, leather from old shoes, or even dogs, a situation made worse by the fact that Morristown was located amidst numerous local farms.” 

In the most severe winter encampment of the war, weather-wise at least, Patriot forces held together, despite all the conditions that threatened to tear the army apart. In the winter of 1779-1780, the Continental Army’s perseverance and determination to overcome the challenges they faced prepared them for the campaigns that would eventually secure American Independence. (https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/morristown-winter-encampment) Total numbers: Valley Forge Morristown # of soldiers: 11,000 # of soldiers: 10-12,000 Deaths from illness: 2,000 Deaths from illness: 2,000 To 4,000

Elaine Marie Cooper’s novel, "Love’s Kindling" is the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Award contest. Like many of Cooper’s books, it focuses on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.

Postal Delivery in America

By Elaine Cooper

One never knows what unexpected discoveries await when a history lover on a research trip takes a road that veers away from the main highway. I almost let the opportunity slip away but my inner history geek followed my senses.

It was on that road I discovered a stone marker near Brookfield, Massachusetts. At first I thought it was a grave marker with it’s curved design. It was, in fact, a remnant of the post riders trail from long ago, still telling travelers along the way: “67 miles to Boston, 30 miles to Springfield.”

What a delightful find! An ancient marker—crude but effective—pointing the way for postal riders. Imagine how welcoming those words etched in granite were to weary horsemen carrying missives to awaiting recipients.

This unexpected find encouraged me to investigate our mail system here in America that so many take for granted. 

I was surprised to learn the history of our postal service in America is older than the country itself.

The Pilgrims had only been in America for 13 years when the first official mail deliveries were begun. The General Court of Massachusetts designated Richard Fairbanks’ tavern in Boston as the exchange point for mail between the colonies and England. This was in keeping with the British tradition of using coffee houses and taverns as the mail drops. 

By 1673, a trail for a post rider was set up between New York and Boston. That trail, called the Old Boston Post Road, is today part of US Route 1.

Pennsylvania was next in setting up a post office ten years later. Then colonies in the south set up their own message system between plantations, with messages sometimes carried by slaves. 

A centralized postal system for all the colonies was not set up until 1691. The delivery system expanded and spread under the guidance of numerous Postmasters General, who were still under British rule. 

In 1737, 31-year-old Benjamin Franklin was named Postmaster of Philadelphia. The struggling publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette made numerous improvements in the mail system, including cutting the delivery time between Philadelphia and New York in half by running mail wagons both day and night. He also devised the still-used rate chart based on distance and weight of the parcel—in principle, still used today, although I think the rates have climbed somewhat since the 1700’s.

As we all know, Mr. Franklin—who by now was called the Joint Postmaster General for the Crown—began to be involved in the cause for liberty from England, which did not sit well with his British employers. He was fired in 1774.

He was not unemployed for too long, as the Continental Congress appointed Franklin to the position of Postmaster General of the United Colonies on July 26, 1775. 

The members of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia wrote:

“That a Postmaster General be appointed for the United Colonies who shall hold his office in Philadelphia and shall be offered a salary of 1,000 dollars per annum for himself, and $340 per annum for a secretary and comptroller, with power to appoint such, and so many deputies as to him may seem proper and necessary. That a line of posts be appointed under the Postmaster General from Falmouth in New England to Savannah in Georgia, with as many cross posts as he shall think fit.” 

By the time Franklin was sent on his diplomatic assignment to France in 1776, he left behind a greatly improved colonial mail system with routes from Maine to Florida.

In 1790, there were 75 post offices in America. By 2018, that number grew to 34,772 retail offices with over 146.4 billion pieces of mail handled in that same year. Total delivery routes in 2018 had expanded to 231,843. Mr. Franklin would be proud.

There is a postal museum at the Smithsonian. You can visit the site here http://postalmuseum.si.edu/

Elaine Marie Cooper has two new historical fiction books that just released: War’s Respite(Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindlingis available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of AmericaSeries set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherlessand Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Sagaand has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog here  www.elainemariecooper.com

Great New England Earthquake of 1727

By Elaine Marie Cooper

When growing up in Massachusetts, I had never experienced an earthquake. When my dad’s job sent us to California, these trembles of the earth were the norm and I expected them—although hated the experiences when they occurred. Without warning, the ground beneath you suddenly loses its steadfast stability. The unexpected nature of these events was unnerving, to say the least.

Imagine my surprise to discover there have been several recorded instances of earthquakes in and around New England where I’d grown up, earthquake-ignorant. One of the more significant ones occurred in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 1727, although ripples of ground shaking were felt in several other northern colonies as well.

According to Sidney Perley in his classic 1891 edition of Historic Storms of New England, the weather in the northeastern colonies that year defied any sense of normalcy.

A drought occurred in 1727 that began with little rain in the spring, followed by almost no precipitation all summer. “The earth dried to a great depth, and many wells and springs, which had never failed before were now dry. There was much lightning and thunder, but very little rain.”

Perley wrote, “After the drought was broken, a violent northeast storm came on, doing much damage among the vessels along the coast, and the trees on shore. This occurred September 16.”

 

Sidney Perley Book

October weather continued to be at odds with the norm. The weather grew very cold on October 24, followed by a snowfall, then more cold weather. Then Sunday the 28thwas “fair and pleasant.” Everything seemed calm and the colonists went to bed at their usual hour. All seemed well, until twenty minutes before the hour of eleven, when “a terrible noise followed by a roar and a rush suddenly woke them.”

Before the sleepy inhabitants had their wits about them, Perley described an unimaginable sound: “a pounce as if gigantic cannons had rolled against each other from opposite directions.”
Door latches pushed upward and the portals opened wide. Homes trembled and hearthstones grated, while chimney tops loosened and fell, some destroyed altogether. Everything movable rattled and fell.

Frightened citizens ran out their doors, fearing for their lives. People who had already been awake prior to the earthquake claimed a flash of light had preceded the event. Dogs were heard barking at the blazing illumination. These late-to-bed residents told of a murmuring sound that grew to a rumbling “as if innumerable heavy carriages were being rapidly driven over pavements … a hollow sound as if it came from under the earth.”

Then came the sudden and shocking occurrence that awoke the colonists far and wide. It lasted for about two minutes. “The earth reel’d and trembled to a great degree. The houses rock’d and crackl’d as if they were tumbling into ruins.” (Weekly News-Letter, November 3, 1727)

“Cattle ran bellowing about the fields, being thoroughly frightened at this sudden and fearful commotion in the still hours of the night,” wrote Perley.

An aftershock occurred at 11:00 pm. Although milder than the first tremble, it kept everyone in a state of fear. When another occurred before midnight, most residents got dressed and prepared to remain on alert for the duration of the terrifying night.

In several towns like Londonderry, New Hampshire and Rowley, Massachusetts, residents ran to the homes of their ministers for comfort. The reverend in Rowley, whose home could not hold all of the congregants, opened the meetinghouse where they all prayed through the night.

More aftershocks continued through the night. When morning dawned, the damage could be assessed. Although dishes were shattered and some chimneys required rebuilding, “Not a wooden house was broken nor a person or animal injured.”

The earthquake of 1727 did have a significant impact on the terrain and on the underground springs and wells, however. The ground beneath some marshland was raised up so much as to become unfit for its native grasses, but useable for farming. Well water was often changed for the better but one well took seven days to become sweet and pure after the trembling of the earth had caused the underground liquid to have an offensive stench.

In Newbury, Massachusetts, large fissures opened up in the ground and some feared the earth would swallow them up.

The real impact of the earthquake was in the minds and spirits of the citizenry of New England. Many believed it was divine judgement for their sins and clergy preached that it was “a loud call to the whole land to repent and fear and give glory to God.”

In a sermon to his congregation in Hampton, N.H., Reverend Nathaniel Gookin said, “All of us saw necessity of looking to God for his favor and protection; and I would hope that many did, not only look to God in that time of their distress, but did truly and heartily return to him.”

Rev. Cotton Mather

Reverend Cotton Mather wrote an “Awakening” speech, and delivered it to the inhabitants of Boston, “…who assembled the next morning in a very great congregation for the proper exercise of religion on such a Solemn Occasion.” (From an ad for a copy of the pamphlet, “sold by Samuel Kneeland at his shop in King St.”) Reverend Mather wrote, “Let the natural causes of earthquake be what the wise men of enquiry please, they and their causes are still under the government of Him that is God of nature.”

Town leaders in Medford, Massachusetts declared a day of fasting and prayer and churches throughout New England were filled, some beyond capacity.

“Many who had before cared nothing for a religious life became penitent and devout.” Some became truly reformed. “But in too many cases, when their fears were gone, the religious thoughts and habits of the people lost their hold on them.” (Perley)

More aftershocks continued in the northeast through December and, up until that time, was the severest known earthquake in New England.

Next time I visit my home state, I’ll be a tad more aware of rumbles and trembles and I’ll pray that the next Great Earthquake does not find me in a Boston subway. 

To view the New England Seismic Network from Weston Observatory at Boston College, click here.

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series, entitled Dawn of America, set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The first two books are entitled War's Respite and Love's Kindling. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com.

Theodosia Ford, Unsung Heroine of the Revolution

By Elaine Marie Cooper Many heroic men of the American Revolution are well known to History buffs. But without the steadfast work of the women in Colonial America, who often worked behind the scenes, one wonders if the war to break away from England would have been successful. For instance, Lydia Darragh of Philadelphia was a Quaker who bravely warned General Washington of an impending attack on his troops, thus allowing his army to escape. (https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/lydia-darragh ) Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington was called the female Paul Revere as she rode all night on horseback to rouse the militia to protect Danbury, CT. https://www.americanhistoryforkids.com/sybil-ludington/ And then there was Theodosia Ford. Although no acts of extraordinary bravery were attributed to her war efforts, this faithful wife and mother from Morris County, New Jersey, endured much heartache while offering her home to help Washington’s troops. As was common in colonial American families, Theodosia and her husband, Jacob Ford Jr., endured the loss of several children. In the year of 1777, less than two years into the American Revolution, Theodosia faced her greatest trials. It began in January with the death of her 38-year-old husband from pneumonia. Jacob had been serving as colonel of the local militia, while trying to finish the building of their large home as well as overseeing the gunpowder mill that was supplying the patriot troops. Overworked and mildly ill to start, the work took its toll on Jacob and his illness proved fatal. Within the week of his son’s death, Jacob Ford, Sr. succumbed to illness as well. Theodosia was left to deal with five children, a war, and a business. In a terrible twist of fate, Theodosia’s mother-in-law, Hannah, and then her 2-year-old daughter, Phoebe, died that same year. “It is no exaggeration to say that 1777 was probably one of the most difficult years for Theodosia Ford, widow of Jacob Jr and functional head of the family after 1777,” wrote Jude M. Pfister in “The Fords of New Jersey.” That winter of 1777 also saw 35 Continental soldiers quartered in Theodosia’s home. They were of the Delaware Light Infantry Regiment and happened to be staying in the Ford mansion that January when her husband and father-in-law passed away. Whether or not their presence increased the stress for young Mrs. Ford, or offered a distraction at such an emotional time, we can only surmise. But the Fords were well-known and respected in their community, and likely were offered comfort by friends and neighbors. Theodosia was the daughter of the Presbyterian minister and hopefully her faith in God helped her through the many losses she endured.

Just 2 years after that terrible year, a horrible winter, the worst of the century, hit New Jersey. General Washington had brought his troops in the middle of a snowstorm, to an area nearby the mansion called Jockey Hollow. But Washington needed a headquarters for he and his staff and the only house in the area large enough to accommodate them was the Ford Mansion. Whether or not Theodosia had a choice in the matter is not known but it provided a way by which she could contribute to the war cause. It was, however, at a considerable cost to her comfort. Washington’s staff shared the kitchen with Theodosia’s and a reference was made by Washington in his writings that the entire kitchen area was filled with workers who were ill. Theodosia and her four children had to share just two bedrooms during Washington’s stay. In addition to General Washington, regular occupants of the Ford Mansion included Mrs. Washington and Alexander Hamilton. “Washington built several outbuildings to relieve the burden on the overcrowded mansion.” wrote Pfister. Obviously, the General was aware of the crowded accommodations. That winter of 1779-80 proved extraordinary with a record number of blizzards. If the troops had not built small log cabins for their shelter, even more might have succumbed to the weather. Washington kept his headquarters at the Ford mansion until June 22, 1780. Was the sudden departure of the Army a welcome relief or too quiet after so long a time? We may never know. But we do know that Theodosia Ford is the heroine in this story. “Theodosia Ford dominates the Revolutionary period of the Ford family history,” wrote Pfister in “The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion.” “Forced to accept a leadership role in the family after her husband and father-in-laws’ deaths, Mrs. Ford held the family together and kept the farm and family business a profitable endeavor.” Theodosia was widowed at the age of 38 and never remarried. She lived to be 83. She was survived by three sons, her beloved daughter, Elizabeth, having preceded her in death. To read more, you can navigate these articles: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/washingtons-encampment-morristown-new-jersey-and-hard-winter-1779-1780 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5797986/theodosia-ford https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/walking-shoes-theodosia-ford

The Ford mansion is still standing and operated by the National Park service. https://www.nps.gov/morr/planyourvisit/washington-s-headquarters.htm

Author Bio: Elaine Marie Cooper’s most recent novel, Scarred Vessels, is a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards Contest. Her novel, Love’s Kindling was the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Awards. Like many of Cooper’s books, they focus on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.

The Right to Bear Arms: Second Amendment

 I’ve never owned a gun in my life, nor ever shot one—except for a toy. But I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment which states: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. So what was the necessity of being allowed to keep weapons? As believers in God and in the sin nature of man as taught in Scripture, the early Americans understood the need for self-protection. They had only recently been under attack from the soldiers of England’s King. When might the next round of attacks come from an enemy either domestic or foreign? In the same vein, what if an intruder threatened the life and well-being of one’s family? Does not an American, or any person, have the right to self-protection? These are, sadly, very real scenarios that many have had to deal with. In recent years and with the development of sophisticated rifles, the question of types of guns has come to the fore. Which ones should be allowed and which should be banned in order to prevent mass shootings? These are certainly questions to be discussed and decisions need to be made.

But to ban all weapons is in direct opposition to the spirit of the United States Constitution.

The conflict seems to partly rest in the humanistic belief that man is basically good. For those who believe in good vs. evil, the answer is more basic: Good will triumph when evil is restrained. 

 

 

Elaine Cooper’s most recent novel, Scarred Vessels, is a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards Contest. Her novel, Love’s Kindling is the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Awards. Like many of Cooper’s books, they focus on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.

First Amendment of the Constitution

By Elaine Marie Cooper My recent blog posts for Heroes, Heroines, and History have turned into a series. Why? Because never before in my lifetime, have the Amendments of the United States Constitution been teetering on the precipice of a cliff. It has become both alarming and anti-American. I have covered the passage of the 12th, 13th, and 15th Amendments so far in my previous posts. Today, I’m going back to the First Amendment. Here is what it says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The right to freedom of religion—whether Christianity, Judaism, or any other group—was the whole basis for the founding of this country. When the Pilgrims escaped England in 1620, it’s because they were being persecuted for holding services contrary to the Church of England.

Many of the Pilgrims were members of a Puritan sect known as the Separatists. They believed that membership in the Church of England violated the biblical precepts for true Christians, and they had to break away and form independent congregations that adhered more strictly to divine requirements. This did not sit well with the state religion (Church of England) that considered such “insurrection” as treason. Hence, the Separatists were willing to face a dangerous ocean voyage to start life anew in an unknown land. The Pilgrims followed the Geneva translation of the Bible. They took seriously the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18: (16) And what agrement hathe the Temple of God with idoles? for ye are the Temple of the living God: as God hathe said, I wil dwell among them, and walke there; and I wil be their God, and shalbe my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and separate your selves, faith the Lord: and touche none uncleane thing, & I wil receive you. (18) And I wil be a Father unto you, and ye shalbe my sonnes and daughters, saith the Lord almightie. One does not need to look far in the news to see the horror of persecution based on one’s religious beliefs. The First Amendment was written to protect this God-given right. The Amendment also ensures the right to free speech. This includes speech that may be considered offensive to some, which can include everything from religious sermons to vile programs filled with foul language. It does not, however, protect someone from yelling “Fire!” in a crowd, which could obviously cause pandemonium and even death. Freedom of the press ensures the right to publish and/or proclaim news that some believe but some may not. That is our right. The right to petition government for redress of grievances is the right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of one's government, without fear of punishment or reprisals. For example, if a law comes up for a vote, U.S. citizens have the right to call their congress person representing their district to complain about the contents of said legislation.

One may ask why the United States Constitution was drafted in the first place. If you think back to U.S. History classes from long ago, you may remember an event called Shay’s rebellion that occurred in 1786 and 1787. The newly formed United States was reeling from the huge debt incurred by the American Revolution that had ended in 1783. In order to head off a monetary crisis, the state governments raised taxes to the point that many lost their farms and businesses. The rural citizens made efforts to petition their state governments for help but to no avail.

In desperation and anger, the citizens of Massachusetts began attacking government buildings such as courthouses to rebel against these laws. It heated up to a full-blown rebellion in Springfield, MA led by Daniel Shays, the leader of the farmers’ cause. Shays was also a Revolutionary War veteran. Before the smoke cleared, 4 Americans were killed and 20 wounded. These were men who had just a few years before, had fought for this country. The revolutionaries were arrested and two were hanged. Most were eventually pardoned from their crimes. But the threat posed by these events led to the retired General George Washington returning to public service and eventually, he was elected President of the United States. In order to strengthen the federal government, the Constitutional Convention was called in 1787. Their work established the specific powers of the federal government, including the separation of powers into three branches of government.

The Constitution was ratified in 1789 and these became the law of our land ever since. They are as alive today as when they were ratified. You can read this article for more info about Shay’s rebellion: https://www.history.com/news/how-shays-rebellion-changed-america

Elaine Marie Cooper’s novel, Love’s Kindling is the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Award contest. Her most recent release is Scarred Vessels, which involves the slave trade in the Northeast during the Revolution. Like many of Cooper’s books, it focuses on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir, and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive. You can visit her website at www.elainemariecooper.com

Learning Our Laws: The U.S. Constitution

By Elaine Marie Cooper As an amateur student of American history, one might think I am well-versed with the Constitution of the United States and its amendments. I confess I am not. When I watched the movie “Lincoln” a few years ago, I was astonished by the congressional tousling that went into the ratification of the 13th Amendment. In simple terms even I can understand, here is the summary of Amendment 13: Passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, the 13th amendment abolished slavery in the United States and provides that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." Finally, slavery was forbidden. It only amazes me that it took so long. The movie “Lincoln” was partly based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book released in 2006, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” I totally enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it. I’d love to read Goodwin’s book but my TBR pile is ready to fall over … If you’re interested in reading Goodwin’s book, here is the link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/dp/0743270754/

When researching ideas for happenings that occurred on February 3 in history, I happened upon another Constitutional event: the ratification of the 15th Amendment. This law also pertained to black Americans, but this time it pertained to voting, in particular, to allow voting for African-American men. “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Ratified on February 3, 1870, it was sadly, not fully realized for nearly a century. Some states made conditions for voting so strict that many black men could not “pass muster.” Poll taxes and literacy tests were just some of the roadblocks used to make voting more difficult for blacks. The situation changed in 1965 with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. It is disconcerting for me personally to realize it took so long—and within my lifetime—to ensure the right of blacks to vote in every state.

The frequent presence of the United States Constitution in the current news makes me realize I need to brush up on the laws of our land. As a patriotic American, I realize the Constitution is the groundwork for what this country stands for. It is the Supreme law of the land by which our rights as citizens are assured. Let me end this blog by posting the inspiring Preamble of the Constitution, first written in 1789: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Here is the movie trailer for "Lincoln:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lTA5rdz51XI

Elaine Marie Cooper’s novel, Love’s Kindling is the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Award contest. Two of her books (Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar) each placed first in their categories. Like many of Cooper’s books, including her newest release (Scarred Vessels), it focuses on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir (Bethany’s Calendar), and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.

The Contentious Election of 1800

Elaine Marie Cooper As our country reels from yet another contentious election, it’s easy to forget that voting for our nation’s Commander in Chief has been a difficult and divisive process, almost from the beginning. I say almost because Washington ran uncontested. According to history.com, “presidential campaigns and elections have evolved into a series of fiercely fought, and sometimes controversial, contests, now played out in the 24-hour news cycle. The stories behind each election—some ending in landslide victories, others decided by the narrowest of margins—provide a roadmap to the events of U.S. history.”

But the election of 1800 was especially contentious, causing a serious rift between President John Adams and his former ally, Thomas Jefferson. Prior to the passage of the 12th Amendment, voters were given two ballots to cast for their two top choices for president. The candidate with the greatest number of ballots became president while the runner up became vice-president. The 1796 election pitched the Federalist party (John Adams) against the Republican (Thomas Jefferson). The winner with 71 electoral votes was John Adams; Jefferson became vice-president with 68. The campaign of 1800 became highly contentious, not unlike today’s elections. “Federalists attacked Jefferson as an un-Christian deist” with sympathies for the French who were in the midst of their very blood revolution. https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/presidential-elections-1

The election in 1800 became the first where the candidates actually campaigned. There was a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, which forced the vote to go to the House of Representatives. The confusion with this election led to the passage of the 12th Amendment which allowed for separate votes for president and vice-president, thus simplifying the Electoral College. As Solomon said in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Sometimes ruminating on history can bring perspective to today. I first became aware of this contentious election when researching for my novel, Legacy of Deer Run. 

Here is the scene at thanksgiving dinner for my fictional family:

“So what do you think of the election next month, Father?” Mr. Dobbins scowled. “I think our country is in for another precarious attack upon our freedoms. With that extremist Jefferson in the running, no telling where our country is headed.” Stephen nodded. “The newspapers are filled with attacks on President Adams — accusing him of being a monarchist, senile, vain, and having an ‘ungovernable temper.’ ’Tis getting fractious and ugly. And that beastly Burr running with Jefferson.” Stephen shook his head and took another sip of wine. “Well, when the Electoral College meets December 3, let us pray they remember Jefferson’s zealous support of the French, despite their attacking our naval vessels. I think Jefferson was in France far too long. His arrogance smacks of sedition.” The room became very quiet. Susannah grew very pale and she rested both hands on the table, gripping the tablecloth. Eyes narrowing, her voice trembled when she spoke. “Do you think we will have another war, Father?” Excerpt from Legacy of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper

Elaine Marie Cooper’s novel, Love’s Kindling is the second-place winner in Historical Romance for the 2020 Selah Award contest. Two of her books (Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar) each placed first in their categories. Like many of Cooper’s books, including her newest release (Scarred Vessels), it focuses on the era of the American Revolution. She has authored several historical novels, a non-fiction memoir (Bethany’s Calendar), and has been published in numerous anthologies and magazines. Although not a current resident of New England, Cooper’s heart for history was birthed there and continues to thrive.