Are You Related to These Female Patriots?

The Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates America 250! In anticipation of the July 4, 2026, 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the 13 Colonies, the DAR wishes to remind everyone of the sacrifices and heroism of the men and women who fought for our freedoms that we enjoy today.

March is Women’s History Month and this article honors the widows who lost their homes and possessions when the British forces, commanded by General William Tryon, invaded and burnt Fairfield in July 1779.

This invasion was part of a series of attacks along the Connecticut coast to lure General George Washington away from New York. After invading New Haven, the British forces under General Tryon plundered and burnt the Town of Fairfield on their way to Norwalk. Once the British were gone, the Fairfield Town Council made plans to repair and replace the damage. Town Council meetings, held in the months of July, August and October, voted to rebuild the town and ascertain the losses suffered by the town’s people.

The outcome of these meetings was compiled by the CT Secretary of State Royal R. Hinman, published in 1842, entitled Historical Collection, from official records, files, etc of the Part Sustained by CT during the War of the Revolution. Names of those from Fairfield who suffered losses can be found in “Damage Sustained in the Town of Fairfield” on pages 616-618. In total 97 dwelling houses, 67 barns, 48 stores, 2 school houses, 1 county house, 2 meeting houses, and 1 Episcopal Church were destroyed. “Damage was done to other individuals not mentioned aforesaid, to the amount of £1855:3:2 by the destruction of personal property, a large share of which was owned by widows and other females.” (p618)

This article will recognize some of the widows who suffered losses during the burning of Fairfield.

Abigail Hubbell sustained damage and received restitution for the loss of her house, provisions, furniture and clothing in the amount of £214:16:6. Abigail Hubbell is a recognized Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot (DAR ancestor A133285) for Patriotic Service (PS). Abigail was the widow of Samuel Hubbell who died in 1760. Her son, William Hubbell who was born 3 Jul 1743 in Fairfield was a Lieutenant and also a DAR patriot (A133286).

Mabel (Bradley) Osborn, widow of Seth Osborn lost her home, possessions and a store. Seth Osborn was born 31 Dec 1727 and died 16 Feb 1774 in Fairfield. His widow, Mabel Bradley Osborn, was his second wife who he married on 21 May 1761. Mable died 13 Jun 1807. Seth’s will, proved 15 Mar 1774, named his wife, Mabel, son Stratton and daughter Sarah. All are buried at the Old Burying Ground, Fairfield.

Priscilla (Lothrop) Burr, widow of Gershom Burr lost £556 worth of possessions. She married Gershom Burr on 12 Dec 1765 and 9 years later he died. His will was proved on 5 Apr 1774 in Fairfield. Priscilla and the two sons, Thaddeus and Gershom and the two daughters Abigail and Eunice Dennie Burr were given the property. Priscilla was pregnant at the time the will was written (the daughter, Priscilla Lothrop Burr, was baptized 10 Jul 1774). Gershom Burr is buried at the Old Burying Ground in Fairfield.

Ann (Allen) Dimon was the widow of Lt. Col. David Dimon who died in service in New York on 18 Sep 1777 at the age of 37 (DAR Ancestor A032239). They were married in Fairfield 15 Nov 1762 and had four children - Ebenezer, Mary, Ann and Abigail (died young). Less than two years after her husband died, she lost her house, barn, two out houses, clothing, possessions, and furniture amounting to £386:7:9.

Elizabeth (Burr) Gold, the widow of Lt. Col. Abraham Gold (Gould) (DAR Ancestor A046487) who was killed at the Battle of Ridgefield on 26 Apr 1777. Elizabeth Burr married Abraham Gould in Fairfield on 1 Jan 1754. She was born 7 Apr 1732 and died 5 Sep 1815. They had 9 children: Abigail (m Isaac Jennings); Elizabeth (m Gould Curtis); Deborah (m Daniel Osborn Jr); and Anna (m Ebenezer Silliman); Hezekiah (m Ellen Hobart); John Burr Gold; Abraham (m Anna Osborn); Jason (m Catherine Carson); and Daniel Gold. Most are buried at the Old Burying Ground, Fairfield.

It was difficult to find information on other widows named on the Restitution List. They are:

Elizabeth Sturges, a widow, lost her house, clothing, provisions, and furniture amounting to £100. Widow Cutler lost her house valued at £30; Widow Rebecca Jennings lost her house, barn, clothing, provisions, and furniture adding up to £138; Widow Smith’s possessions came to £41:0:6; Widow Hannah Taylor sustained £45 of damage; and Widow Mary Penfield’s home, barn, clothing, provisions, and furniture amounted to £135.

The DAR recognizes as Patriots not only soldiers, but anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom. While some of the widows lost their husbands in service to their country, others may not have had a husband who served in the American Revolution. Widows, such as Abigail Hubbell, who lost their homes and possessions can be considered for Patriotic Service. If anyone reading this article thinks they are a lineal descent from any of the widows mentioned, visit www.DAR.org or our chapter for further information.

DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. The DAR is a non-profit women's service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. For more information about our chapter visit http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution asks everyone to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America and the Patriots that achieved American Independence. For more information visit https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/