Putting it All on the … Hem! Elizabeth Poindexter and Her Innocent Needle
By Heather Frey Blanton
Copyright 2013 Heather Blanton
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Elizabeth and Thomas Poindexter lived in Yadkin county, North Carolina, eventually having 12 children total. Ardent patriots, when the revolutionary war began Thomas Poindexter served as a captain in charge of a regiment of farmers and shop owners. Talented soldiers, they were critical to the American forces in the skirmishes around the Yadkin River, especially in the battle of Shallowford.
Since Thomas Poindexter was away with the revolutionary forces, Elizabeth was left alone at home with the British in close proximity. To aid the war effort, crafty Elizabeth sewed secret messages and military correspondence into her daughters’ dresses, and then would send them on “errands” right through British lines. She did this throughout the conflict and neither she nor her daughters were ever even questioned.
The rumor was was she was a sweet, pretty thing with such well-behaved daughters that she and her girls were simply above suspicion. Reason for cultivating a positive, lady-like reputation (MIley Cyrus, are you listening?).
After the war, Elizabeth was recognized for her bravery in wartime. Today she is an official hero of the Daughters of the American Revolution and they, as well, have recognized her contribution in the revolutionary war in the North Carolina region.
Keep the needle sharp and respect the lace!
Posted on August 26, 2013, in Uncategorized and tagged a lady in defiance, American Revolution, American Revolutionary War, American women, American Women in the Revolutionary War, Ben Franklin, British, British Army, christian fiction, Colonial America, Daughters of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Poindexter, Female Patriots, George Washington, heather blanton, heather frey blanton, North Carolina, patriots, Revolutionary War, War for Independence, what was the revolutionary war, women spies, women spies in the american revolution, women who fought in the american revolution, Yadkin, Yadkin County North Carolina, Yadkin River. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Ladies in Defiance 
What a cool post! I shared it on FB, Heather. So great meeting you today at Shirley Plantation in Charles City, VA. And a certain special birthday boy, too! Blessings!
Back at ya! Very nice day, indeed. I feel very blessed.
Elizabeth Poindexter is my 6th great-grandmother. I’m in the DAR because of her and Grandpa Thomas!!! Thanks so much for writing this piece!!!
And I actually was made aware of Elizabeth through a young man in one of my classes at UNC-Chapel Hill back in 2010. His names escapes me, but he was also related. Thank you for reading!