Lucy Audubon

Lucy Bakewell Audubon ( Bakewell; January 18, 1787 – June 18, 1874) was a British-born educator and philanthropist. She was the wife of John James Audubon, an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. As the primary provider for her family, Lucy Bakewell Audubon is said to have financially supported the publication of John James Audubon's The Birds of America, his most recognized work. In addition to providing for and supporting her husband, Audubon established two successful schools and worked feverishly to teach her students.

Early life Lucy Bakewell was born to William and Lucy (Green) Bakewell, an affluent couple living in Derbyshire, England. Her father championed her education, believing education to be "necessary to make a woman a better companion and helpmate to the man she married." He sent Bakewell to a nearby boarding school, but her education was most enhanced by her own study. Such letters have been used to determine Bakewell's history.

Marriage and family

It was in Pennsylvania that Bakewell met John James Audubon. Their courtship began shortly after, with John James Audubon visiting Fatland Ford often. Bakewell even frequently tutored John James in English. In exchange, John James taught Bakewell to speak French. Their courtship, however, was not without strife. François Dacosta, for example, opposed their union and worked tirelessly to end their relationship. As years passed, Bakewell continued to guide John James, encouraging him to accept a position with her uncle, Benjamin. This venture proved unsuccessful, but Bakewell resolved to marry John James. Reluctantly, William Bakewell consented to the union. Lucy Bakewell and John James Audubon were married on April 5, 1808, in the parlor at Fatland Ford. Bakewell officially became Lucy Bakewell Audubon.

Career It is said that Audubon, despite being "brought up in comfort", eventually "became a woman of towering strength in adversity." To support her family, Audubon sought an advance on her inheritance, acquiring $8,000 from her father. John James's lengthy absences, of course, were felt by the family, but Audubon served as the ultimate "breadwinner". She worked tirelessly to support her husband's success while caring for her sons, tutoring, and serving as a governess. Her support of his endeavors ultimately granted John James the ability to grow the family's wealth. It is said that, without Lucy Bakewell Audubon, John James Audubon would not have been as successful—if at all.

Death and legacy When John James died, Audubon returned to work at 70. Much like their father, Audubon's two sons experienced failed business ventures. Audubon, then, needed to support her family, again stepping up in order to serve everyone but herself. In a letter to a friend, Audubon said: "It does seem to me as if we were a doomed family, for all of us are in pecuniary difficulties more or less."

Twenty-three years after the death of John James, Lucy Audubon died at the age of 87. She had been staying with her brother, Will, in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Though her husband is well remembered, Lucy Bakewell Audubon is often considered to be a large part of his success. She became the subject of a 1982 publication, Lucy Audubon: A Biography by Carolyn DeLatte.