Hannah White Arnett

Praised for her role in the fight for American independence Hannah White Arnett (1733-1823) of Elizabeth prevented men from proclaiming their loyalty to Great Britain in exchange for “protection of [their] life and property.”

Arnett prevented men from proclaiming their loyalty to Great Britain in exchange for “protection of [their] life and property.” She overhead the discussion of a group of men that were meeting in her home. The decision at hand was to either accept or reject the offer made to them by the British. Upon hearing this, Arnett stormed into the room and accused the men of being cowards and traitors. Arnett’s husband Isaac attempted to remove Arnett from the room but she was relentless with her accusations. Arnett even threatened to leave her husband if he deserted the Revolutionary cause. Finally, the men refused the offer made to them by Great Britain and remained committed to the fight for American independence. Arnett’s actions were not publicized until after her death.

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References:

Fisher, Helen Melinda. “Brave Women of the Revolution.” Woman’s Exponent 28, no. 16-17 (January 1 & February 15, 1900): 99. Nineteenth Century Collections Online (accessed April 1, 2021). https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.rowan.edu/apps/doc/YUYRXD816770069/NCCO?u=rowan&sid=NCCO&xid=129c1a1c.

Somerville, Mollie D. 1974. Women and the American Revolution. [Washington]: National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/948272

[Book] American Association of University Women, Virginia M. Lyttle, Shirley J. Horner, Sally S. Minshall, and Jeanne Hamilton Watson. 1978. Ladies at the crossroads: eighteenth-century women of New Jersey : a public service project of New Jersey Division, American Association of University Women. The Division. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/4499033