Lydia Barrington Darrah

Ancestor Number

A029856 »

Date of Birth

1728

Place of Birth

Dublin, Ireland

Date of Death

December 28, 1789

Place of Death

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Spouse(s)

William Darrah

Children

Mary, Charles, Ann, John; William, Lydia, and Mary died in infancy

American Revolution Service

She was able to get word to General Washington of a British attack on the Continental Army at Whitemarsh

State of Service

Pennsylvania

Donor

In honor of the Daughters who served as Junior Members. Pennsylvania State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Cynthia B. Sweeney, State Regent, 2016-2019

Lydia Barrington was born in 1728 in Dublin, Ireland. She married William Darrah on November 2, 1753.

Together, they traveled to the colonies and settled in Philadelphia. Their children were Mary (1754), Charles (1755), Ann (1757) and John (1763). William, Lydia and Mary died in infancy. Lydia Darrah was a Quaker, a pacifist living in Philadelphia with her family. In 1777, the British proved victorious against the Continental forces. Washington’s troops had to retreat to White Marsh, and General Howe’s British forces set camp in Philadelphia.

Lydia (Barrington) Darragh, 1728-1789, bust portrait, facing left. From the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Lydia Darragh giving warning [to Continental Army officer on horseback]. From the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

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This situation created the perfect situation for Lydia Darrah to learn what plans the British were discussing.

In December, the British held a secret meeting in her home whenshe and her family were to be asleep. Darrah eavesdropped and learned that the British intended to attack Washington’s troops in White Marsh.

She determined to get word of the attack to Washington. By gaining a pass as a homemaker needing flour from the mill, Darrah walked past British soldiers to smuggle a message to Boudinot who got it to Washington. Because of the warning, Washington’s troops were prepared, the battle was a standoff, and the British returned to Philadelphia. Though questioned by the British, she held to her story that all were sleeping and heard nothing.

Lydia Darrah died on December 28, 1789, and was buried in Philadelphia.