Mary Willing Byrd

Mary Willing Byrd (September 10, 1740 – March 28, 1814) was an American planter. At twenty years of age, she became the step-mother of five children and managed the family and household at Westover Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia beginning her second year of marriage. Together Byrd and her husband, William Byrd III, had ten more children before he committed suicide in 1777. She determined what property to hold on to and what to sell of what she inherited so that she could pay off debts, preserve Westover Plantation, and retain some land for the Byrd children.

During the American Revolutionary War, British forces seized some of her property and when she tried to regain it, the State of Virginia accused her with dealing with the enemy. After she explained the situation in letters, the case was dropped and did not go to trial.

Early life Mary Willing, the daughter of Ann (née Shippen) and Charles Willing of Philadelphia, was born on September 10, 1740. Charles Willing was the mayor of Philadelphia William's father, William Byrd II, founded Richmond, Virginia and he built the mansion on Westover. when he was 19. He remained a Tory after fighting for the King during the Frencha and Indian War. William struggled in his life. His first marriage was "agony". He was not great in business and management of his finances. He was also troubled by he previous alliance with the King during the French and Indian War. Two of his sons served in the British Army.

American Revolution

Although Byrd had many ties to the British and Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War, she tried to remain neutral. Arnold's men are said to have destroyed her crops, plant nursery, and fences along with killing several of her cows. His men seized three horses, 49 enslaved people, and two ferryboats. Her trial was first postponed and ultimately never held. The plantation was overrun by British forces led by Arnold and Lord Cornwallis and American forces three times during the war.

After the war After the war, Byrd improved Westover Plantation to its previous state. François-Jean de Chastellux visited Westover Plantation in 1782 and stated that it "surpasses them all in the magnificence of the buildings, the beauty of its situation, and the pleasures of society." She also ran a residence on the James River with a number of enslaved servants. Byrd operated smaller successful plantations.

Later years, death, and legacy Byrd died on March 28, 1814 and was to be buried at the old Westover Church cemetery, next to her husband. Westover Plantation was sold in 1814 after her death.

In 2007, Byrd was posthumously honored by the Library of Virginia's "Virginia Women in History" program.