Elizabeth Willing Powel

Elizabeth Willing Powel: A Beacon of Philadelphia’s Social and Political Life

Who was Elizabeth Willing Powel? How did she shape her city during a time of great change?

Elizabeth Willing Powel (February 21, 1743 – January 17, 1830) was an American socialite and prominent member of the Philadelphia upper class. She hosted frequent gatherings that became staples of political life in the city during the First Continental Congress in 1774. Imagine a bustling salon where ideas flowed like the Delaware River, and you have a glimpse into Elizabeth’s world.

Education and Early Life

While the details of Elizabeth’s education are unknown, according to historian David W. Maxey, the family was wealthy enough to afford private tutoring, and the content of Elizabeth’s writing indicates a quality education. This early exposure to knowledge laid the foundation for her later contributions to society.

The Powel Family

Elizabeth came from a Quaker family of successful merchants who had immigrated to the Colonies from England three generations prior. Her siblings included Thomas, Ann, Dorothy, Charles, and Mary, with five younger siblings named Richard, Abigail, Joseph, James, and Margaret.

Marrying Samuel Powel

Elizabeth married Samuel Powel (born 1738), also of Quaker ancestry, who was among the richest people in Philadelphia. Their wedding on August 7, 1769, at Christ Church officiated by Jacob Duché brought together two of the most prominent mercantile families in the city.

Life and Legacy

Their four children died young, reflecting deeply in her correspondence. She kept a lock of hair from her son Samuel, symbolizing the pain and loss she endured. Elizabeth opened her home to delegates at the First Continental Congress, hosting dinner parties that encouraged political and philosophical discussion.

Political Influence

Elizabeth was a close friend and confidant to George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. They met in 1774 as dinner guests in Philadelphia and were officially introduced in 1779. The Washingtons visited each other frequently, with Washington spending more time at Powel House than any other person in the city.

Letters to Washington

In November 1792, Elizabeth wrote a strongly worded letter to Washington urging him not to step down as president, which may have convinced him to seek a second term. After minor edits from her husband, she sent the letter on November 17, 1792, and Washington was reelected a month later.

Post-War Life

The Powels also visited Mount Vernon in October 1787 and enjoyed a long correspondence throughout the 1780s and 1790s. The family decided to remain in the city after Samuel’s death, and Elizabeth never remarried. She continued her correspondence with influential people and oversaw the management of her estate.

Legacy

In 1793, during an epidemic of yellow fever, the Washingtons invited the Powels to seek refuge at Mount Vernon. After becoming a widow, Elizabeth left a 20-year annuity to the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and expressed opposition to slavery throughout her life.

Artistic Legacy

The earliest portraits of Elizabeth Willing Powel were created by John Wollaston (circa 1755-1759) and an unknown artist (circa 1760). The first portrait by Matthew Pratt, Portrait of Mrs. Samuel Powel, was created around the time of her marriage in 1769 and is owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Erasure and Restoration

The setting of the famous anecdote with Benjamin Franklin has been revised over time, erasing Elizabeth’s role as a political leader. However, recent efforts have restored her significance, ensuring that she remains an important figure in American history.

Elizabeth Willing Powel’s legacy is one of resilience, intelligence, and political influence. She was a beacon in Philadelphia during the tumultuous years leading up to and through the American Revolution. Her story reminds us that women have always played crucial roles in shaping our nation’s history, often behind the scenes but no less impactful.