Mary Willing Byrd (September 10, 1740 – March 1814) was an American planter. At twenty years of age, she became the step-mother of five children and managed the family and household at Westover Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia beginning her second year of marriage. Together Byrd and her husband, William Byrd III, had ten more children before he committed suicide in 1777. She determined what property to hold on to and what to sell of what she inherited so that she could pay off debts, preserve Westover Plantation, and retain some land for the Byrd children.
During the American Revolutionary War, British forces seized some of her property and when she tried to regain it, the State of Virginia accused her with dealing with the enemy. After she explained the situation in letters, the case was dropped and did not go to trial.
Early life
Mary Willing, the daughter of Ann (née Shippen) and Charles Willing of Philadelphia, was born on September 10, 1740. Charles Willing was the mayor of Philadelphia William's father, William Byrd II, founded Richmond, Virginia and he built the mansion on Westover. when he was 19. He remained a Tory after fighting for the King during the Frencha and Indian War. William struggled in his life. His first marriage was "agony". He was not great in business and management of his finances. He was also troubled by he previous alliance with the King during the French and Indian War. Two of his sons served in the British Army.
American Revolution
Although Byrd had many ties to the British and Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War, she tried to remain neutral. Arnold's men are said to have destroyed her crops, plant nursery, and fences along with killing several of her cows. His men seized three horses, 49 enslaved people, and two ferryboats. Her trial was first postponed and ultimately never held.