User:Mariamdunn/Julia Stockton Rush

Personal Life

Julia Stockton Rush was born March 2, 1759, in Princeton, New Jersey. Her father was a lawyer named Richard Stockton. Her mother, Annis Boudinot Stockton, was a poet and writer, and one of the first female poets published in the United States.

Julia grew up in a comfortable and privileged household, and she was well-educated and well-cultured. She met her future husband, Benjamin Rush, when she was 16 years old and still living at the family estate, Morven. Benjamin Rush was a prominent American physician and political leader, born in 1746 in Byberry, Pennsylvania. They married in 1798. The couple had thirteen children together, many of whom died young. Julia was a devoted wife and mother.

Activism

Both Benjamin Rush and Julia's father were elected to the Second Continental Congress, eventually signing the Declaration of Independence. Alongside his work as a politician, Benjamin played a crucial role in Washington's Continental Army by caring for wounded soldiers and the surgeon general. Julia supported Rush in his work and played an active role in the social and political life of the city. Julia joined a small group of prominent wives to help raise money for the troops. Julia was a leading figure in this group, the Ladies Association. The group was the leading fundraiser during the Revolutionary War and went door to door to help raise money for Washington’s Continental Army.

Founded in Philadelphia on June 10, 1780, the Ladies Association was a pioneering organization that played a significant role in the history of American philanthropy and social reform. Their goal was to mobilize the female population in any way they can to help the efforts surrounding the Revolutionary War. Over the years, the organization raised funds through various means, including donations, fundraising events, and subscriptions, and used these funds to support a variety of charitable causes, such as providing medical care, clothing, and food to those in need. The Ladies Association of Philadelphia was active for many years and made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families in the Philadelphia area as well as the war efforts.

Letters

Julia also left a mark on history through her letters. She wrote many letters to her husband and friends throughout her lifetime. She wrote about a wide range of subjects, including her family, her social life, and her charitable work. She offers her opinions on a variety of topics, including religion, politics, and society.The letters allow historians to get a rare glimpse into what life was like for women and wives during the Revolutionary war period in America.

In her first letter, dated March 114 1776, Julia wrote to her uncle Samuel Stockton who is living in London. She updates him on her family, friends and life. She writes on topics such as transatlantic communication, family separation, courtship, and marriage. Julia Rush’s letters to various people show the many roles women played at the time, weaving together motherhood, housewife duties (especially those of a doctor’s wife), and politics. Julia Rush was very close to Abigail Adams.

Legacy

Julia Stockton Rush painted by Charles Willson Peale

Julia Stockton Rush was a notable woman who made important contributions to the social and political life of her time. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also a dedicated philanthropist and social reformer. She is remembered today as a pioneering woman figure in the history of the Revolutionary War and what it was like to be a woman during that time.

Julia Rush's husband passed away from what's believed to be tuberculosis. Julia went on to live 35 more years, passing away July 7, 1848. She was 89 years old.