Peggy Chew Howard

Peggy Chew Howard (December 16, 1760 – May 29, 1824) was the First Lady of the 5th Governor of Maryland, John Eager Howard.

Early life Margaret "Peggy" Oswald Chew was born on December 16, 1760, at Cliveden, the Chew family estate, in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Also, in attendance at The Mischianza was her friend and the later wife of Benedict Arnold, Peggy Shippen.

Chew then met John Eager Howard at her home during a battle of the Revolutionary War. He was wounded during the Battle of Eutaw Springs and sent letters via his physician, Dr. Craik, to woo her into engagement. In May 1787, she married John Eager Howard.

Together, Peggy and John Eager Howard had 9 children: They would host a number of distinguished guests at the Belvedere, including George Washington, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Samuel Chase, Roger B. Taney, Marquis de Lafayette, and Generals Gist, Smallwood, and Williams.

Peggy Howard died on May 29, 1824, at the age of 63. She was survived by her husband, who didn't die until October 12, 1827.