Born: 1818 (Richmond, Virginia)
Died: 1900
Biography:
Elizabeth Van Lew (October 12, 1818 – September 25, 1900) was an American abolitionist and philanthropist who played a crucial role in the American Civil War. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Van Lew built and operated an extensive spy ring for the Union Army, utilizing her intelligence, resources, and determination to aid the Union cause. Her extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice established her as one of the most influential figures of her time.
Elizabeth Van Lew was born on October 12, 1818, to John Van Lew and Eliza Baker. Her father, originally from Philadelphia, settled in Richmond and established a prosperous hardware business. Although the family owned slaves, Elizabeth’s education at a Quaker school in Philadelphia instilled in her a strong anti-slavery sentiment. Her upbringing in a city known for its pro-slavery sentiments exposed her to the realities of the institution, further fueling her determination to fight against it.
Following her father’s death in 1843, Elizabeth Van Lew and her mother continued to live in their home in Richmond. Despite the will stipulating that their enslaved human property could not be freed, Van Lew and her mother provided their enslaved individuals with wages and opportunities for freedom. While benefiting from slavery, Van Lew firmly believed that the institution would eventually fade away and hoped for its gradual abolition through manumission by Southerners.
Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, Van Lew immediately began her work for the Union cause. Alongside her mother, she cared for wounded Union soldiers and became deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. Van Lew’s resourcefulness and courage allowed her to gain access to Libby Prison in Richmond, where Union soldiers were imprisoned. She provided them with vital supplies such as food, clothing, and writing materials. Moreover, she played a significant role in aiding their escape attempts by passing valuable information about safe houses and even influencing the prison staff.
Van Lew’s contribution to the Union cause extended far beyond her involvement in the prison. With her keen intelligence and extensive network, she operated a spy ring that gathered crucial information about Confederate troop levels and movements. Her network included clerks in the War and Navy Departments of the Confederacy, as well as free and enslaved African Americans. Notably, one of her trusted agents was Mary Jane Richards Bowser, an acclaimed African American spy.
While rumors persist that Van Lew hid escaped Union prisoners and Confederate deserters in her mansion, concrete evidence to support these claims remains elusive. Nevertheless, her bravery and audacity in running a spy ring under the noses of Confederate authorities cannot be understated. Van Lew’s intricate network allowed her to provide valuable intelligence to Union commanders and contributed significantly to Union military strategy.
After the Civil War, Elizabeth Van Lew continued her philanthropic work and dedication to societal improvement. She worked tirelessly for the rights and education of formerly enslaved individuals, advocating for their inclusion and empowerment within American society. Her remarkable achievements and contributions have solidified her place in women’s history as a fearless abolitionist and influential figure in the fight for justice.