01/24/2025
Mary (Polly) Penrose Wayne was recently recognized by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution with its “Women in American History” award, presented by the Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the NSDAR.
Born in Philadelphia in 1746, Mary “Polly” Penrose, age 17, married Anthony Wayne, then 21. They lived at “Waynesborough,” the Wayne family Easttown Township, Chester County farm and tannery. In 1776, Anthony Wayne was Colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion. Soon promoted to Brigadier General, he was in command of troops during the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign, leaving Polly, and children Margretta, 6, and Isaac, 4 at “Waynesborough.”
Suddenly, Polly is raising children, keeping house, and overseeing the estate. Yes, she had help on the estate, but she was in charge. On the night of September 20, 1777, the British made a sneak attack, using bayonets only and massacred 53 patriots under General Wayne’s command. It is known as the Paoli Massacre, just three miles from Waynesborough.
Imagine the shock when British soldiers showed up at Waynesborough looking for Anthony Wayne. And imagine how grateful Polly was when the British, not finding him there, left without harming people or property.
As with all the women left at home or those who were camp followers, they were all “Women in American History,” each one worthy of recognition.
Mary “Polly” Wayne died in 1793, three years before Anthony. Both are buried at St. David’s Cemetery not far from “Waynesborough.”
We must recognize the Mary Penrose Wayne DAR chapter in Indiana, chartered in 1901, for carrying on her name and legacy.
We salute Mary “Polly” Wayne and thank Jeptha Abbott DAR chapter for making this award happen.
The ancestral home of Revolutionary War hero "Mad" Anthony Wayne, located in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Tours are also available by appointment, year-round.
