Patriotic Woman, Celebrated Petticoat

The story of Anna Warner Bailey, otherwise known as “Mother Bailey” is a local favorite.  Considered a heroine of the 1800’s, she was a bold, entertaining and  steadfast patriot, rumored to have the heart of a saint and the mouth of a sailor. 

Born 1758 in Groton, her parents died early in her life.  She was raised by her Grandmother Mills followed by her uncle Edward Mills on Candlewood  Hill Farm, three miles east of Groton village. 

Waking one morning, Bailey completed farm chores, then ventured on foot in search of her missing uncle, a militia corporal, who had taken leave in battle the evening before.  She found her uncle mortally wounded in a house on Thames Street.  He begged her to run home and return with his family for a final farewell.

Bailey, a tall and strong 23-year-old woman, saddled the horse and travelled back in haste with the uncle's wife, child and infant.  She placed the infant in his arms and settled ino the despair of a loved one’s departure.  The untimely death of her uncle carved deep within her a life-long contempt for the enemy. 

Bailey said she wished that she “were a man that she might have an opportunity of taking an active part in its defense.”

Bailey met and married Elijah Bailey, a veteran soldier, in 1783.  Elijah later became the postmaster of Groton and Tavern owner with his wife.

Anna Bailey gained notoriety for proudly handing over her petticoat during the War of 1812 to a soldier for use as wadding, a crucial effect in the firing of a gun. 

Local residents forfeited possessions such as flannel sheets and bedding as these were in short supply and high demand by the Fort Griswold militia.  When encountering a frantic soldier in the midst of battle foraging for cartridges and flannel, Bailey offered to help and charged door to door in search of supplies. 

But the mission proved unsuccessful, so she loosened and dropped her petticoat where she stood, and handed it to the soldier for wadding accompanied by a trenchant remark about the British.  Onlookers were reportedly amused and speechless.

“Good God, she undid her petticoat which was unheard of," said Betty Chapman, vice regent of Daughters of the American Revolution.

News of Bailey's bold and selfless deed roared throughout the country and she became the celebration of patriotism and inspiration.  According to Chapman, the remainder of her unused petticoat was raised up Groton’s flagpole in recognition of Bailey's heroic action.

Her tavern saw a great many guests. Some visitors travelled a distance just to pay the heroine a visit, and she was considered unequalled entertainment by many.  She received famous and dignified travelers such as presidents Monroe, Van Buren and Jackson. 

The 1847 Democratic Review said Bailey was particularly fond of Van Buren and Jackson, from whom she collected locks of hair.  She treasured and stored the locks in an oak box made of timbers from the ship Frigate Constitution.   

After Elijah died, she took over as Postmistress and continued to enjoy local and national popularity until she was killed in an accident.

At age 92, as she napped by the fireside, her gown caught fire and she burned to death.  Having no children, she was survived only by fantastic stories and fond memories.

Anna Warner Bailey is honored through the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.  Her possessions can be seen at the Fort Griswold Museum opened Memorial Day through Labor Day.