Grace Growden Galloway
Grace Growden Galloway was born in 1733 into a prominent Philadelphia family. In 1773, she married Joseph Galloway, who became a British loyalist and a significant political figure as speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly. When the American Revolution began, Joseph chose to remain loyal to Britain, leaving for England with their daughter, Betsey, while Grace was left behind to manage her family's land. Despite her hopes of retaining the property for her daughter, Grace faced challenges due to her husband's political stance. In response to her trials, she began keeping journals that reflected her resilience and strength during a tumultuous time. After being evicted from her home, she continued to document her experiences, showcasing the courage of women navigating the complexities of loyalty, loss, and independence in the late 18th century. Grace Galloway passed away in 1782, having never regained her forfeited land, but her writings remain a testament to her enduring spirit.
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Subject Terms
Grace Growden Galloway
Writer
- Born: 1727
- Died: February 6, 1782
Biography
Grace Growden Galloway was born in 1733. Her parents were members of Philadelphia’s upper class. In 1773 Galloway married Joseph Galloway. By marrying into the wealthy Growden family, Joseph Galloway moved up along the social ladder and became involved in politics. Eventually Joseph Galloway became speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, where he was known for being a British loyalist.
When America started to crave its independence, Joseph Galloway remained loyal to Britain. Before the American Revolution, he left for Britain with the couple’s daughter, Betsey. Meanwhile, Grace Galloway was left in charge of her parents’ land. She hoped to retain it so that one day her daughter could have it. Unfortunately, due to her marriage to a British loyalist, Galloway’s claim to the land was threatened. She began to keep journals of her experiences.
Galloway was evicted from her home and was left to fend for herself. Her journals showed her to be a strong woman who refused to let the worst of things get to her. She continued to write and record her experiences while her husband and daughter remained in England. Galloway died in 1782, still unable to regain what had been confiscated from her. Her journals and writings stand as an example of the courage of women during the late 1700’s.