A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Bache, Sarah
BACHE, SARAH,
The only daughter of Benjamin Franklin, was born at Philadelphia, September, 1744. But little is known of her early years, yet, as her father knew well the advantages of education, it is probable that hers was not neglected. In 1767, Miss Franklin was married to Richard Bache, a merchant of Philadelphia, but a native of Yorkshire. In the troublous times which preceded the American Revolutionary War, Dr. Franklin had acted a conspicuous part; his only daughter was thus trained in the duty of patriotism, and she was prepared to do or to suffer in the cause of her country. Mrs. Bache took an active part in providing clothing for the American soldiers, during the severe winter of 1780. The marquis de Chastellux notices a visit he made to her about this time.
A letter of M. de Marbois to Dr. Franklin, the succeeding year—thus speaks of his daughter:—"If there are in Europe any women who need a model of attachment to domestic duties and love for their country, Mrs. Bache may be pointed out to them as such. She passed a part of the last year in exertions to rouse the zeal of the Pennsylvania ladies, and she made on this occasion such a happy use of the eloquence which you know she possesses, that a large part of the American army was provided with shirts, bought with their money, or made by their hands. In her applications for this purpose, she showed the most indefatigable zeal, the most unwearied perseverance, and a courage in asking, which surpassed even the obstinate reluctance of the Quakers in refusing."
Such were the women of America during the long and fearful struggle which preceded the Independence of the United States. Few, indeed, had the talents and opportunities to perform so many benevolent deeds as Mrs. Bache; her patriotism has made her an example for her countrywomen. She died in 1808, aged sixty-four years.