Lucy Audubon

Lucy Bakewell Audubon (born Lucy Bakewell; January 18, 1787 – June 18, 1874) was an educator and philanthropist. She was the wife of John James Audubon, an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. As the primary provider for her family, Lucy Bakewell Audubon is said to have financially supported the publication of John James Audubon's The Birds of America, his most recognized work. In addition to assisting her husband, Audubon established two successful schools and worked feverishly to teach her students. Early life Lucy Bakewell was born to William Bakewell and Lucy Green, an affluent couple living in Derbyshire, England. Her father championed her education, believing education to be "necessary to make a woman a better companion and helpmate to the man she married." He sent Bakewell to a nearby boarding school, but her education was most enhanced by her own study. In addition to having a personal tutor as well as a mother who cared deeply about her daughter's education, Bakewell educated herself by frequently visiting her father's immense library. Tradition posits that her father's political ideologies eventually pushed him to move his family to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1798 when Bakewell was 11. However, by 1803, they again relocated to Norristown, Pennsylvania, settling on a Fatland Ford, the family's plantation. Bakewell was able to maintain a close connection with her extended family, as evidenced by a number of letters between them. Such letters have been used to determine Bakewell's history. Marriage and family It was in Pennsylvania that Bakewell met John James Audubon. Their courtship began shortly after, with John James Audubon visiting Fatland Ford often. Bakewell even frequently tutored John James in English. In exchange, John James taught Bakewell to speak French. Their courtship, however, was not without strife. François Dacosta, for example, opposed their union and worked tirelessly to end their relationship. As years passed, Bakewell continued to guide John James, encouraging him to accept a position with her uncle, Benjamin. This venture proved unsuccessful, but Bakewell resolved to marry John James. Reluctantly, William Bakewell consented to the union. Lucy Bakewell and John James Audubon were married on April 5, 1808, in the parlor at Fatland Ford. Bakewell officially became Lucy Bakewell Audubon.