Lucy Flucker Knox

Lucy Flucker Knox (August 2, 1756 – June 20, 1824) was an American revolutionary who supported the Continental Army during the American Revolution. She married Henry Knox, who became a leading officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Lucy Knox’s loyalist family disowned her for the decision to marry Henry Knox and support the American cause. Lucy Knox accompanied Henry and lived in the military camps, supporting the troops during the war. She stayed by Henry's side through his military service and term as Secretary of War, until he died in 1806.

Early life and education Lucy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a wealthy family of privilege as the daughter of Thomas Flucker and Hannah Waldo, the daughter of Samuel Waldo. Lucy's father was one of Boston’s wealthiest merchants and the Massachusetts royal secretary, and her brother, Thomas Flucker Jr., was a captain in the British army.

Marriage to Henry Knox Lucy’s family wanted Lucy to marry someone of a similar social status and political identity to the Fluckers. they disowned Lucy because Henry was a merchant-class suitor at the time. Her family later fled Boston for England and she would never see her family again. At Valley Forge, Knox established a close relationship with Martha Washington as they spent much time performing camp follower duties together.

Even when they were separated for months at a time, Lucy and Henry didn't let their love die out. They were connected through the letters they sent each other. They provide a first-hand view of one of the closest people to General Washington as well as an insight into the life of a war-hero spouse.

Life after the American Revolution

Portrait of Knox's grandson, Admiral Henry Knox ThatcherAlthough the War ended in 1783, Henry remained in the military until he resigned his commission in 1784. married Ebenezer Thatcher, a Harvard-educated attorney. who would serve as a commodore in the American Civil War and be responsible for the capture of Mobile, Alabama near the war's end. Henry Thatcher would later be promoted to the rank of rear admiral following the Civil War in 1866.