He started by farming the land they were granted as arriving settlers – Lot #94.He also set up a merchant shipping business that became a supplier of Fort Frederica, which was on St. But before she left, arranged for the delivery of more food and supplies to the Revolutionary Army soldiers who had survived the siege and were regrouping outside of Savannah.Īlthough much of her time was spent caring for her growing family, Abigail also served as an advisor and sounding board for Abraham in his business ventures. Abigail knew that too, and successfully convinced him to allow her and her children to leave for Charleston. The British initially intended to prosecute Abigal as a “supporter of the rebellion” but she was determined to protect her family from charges of treason.Ībigail’s reputation in the community helped her – she and the Minis Tavern were beloved, and it is likely the Royal Governor knew that punishing her severely could backfire. Savannah stayed in British hands and the surviving troops retreated to Charleston. Abigail risked her business and her freedom to provide food, supplies, ammunition and uniforms to the Patriot soldiers fighting the British for American independence.ĭespite the best efforts of the Rebel troops, the British had the city well-defended and were able to withstand the siege. When word went out among the Savannah patriots that the Continental Army was lined up 10 miles outside of town, preparing to recapture Savannah, people finally chose their side. The French agreed to provide several ships and troops for the effort. The French government, happy to help deal the British a losing hand, had signed a treaty with the Continental Army a year before. General Lincoln, who was commanding the southern forces, asked France to provide navy support. Taking Savannah back from the British was the next step. The men who wanted to fight the British had leave town to join the Continental Army or a militia working with them. The residents of Savannah now had to make the choice that had only been theoretical until they were living under British military occupation – are you a Rebel or a Loyalist? Those that chose the rebel side had to be very careful. Savannah wasn’t prepared for an invasion, and when British troops arrived in December 1778, the local militia didn’t have the supplies or experience to defend the city. In 1778, they decided on a new “southern strategy” to control southern ports and shore up support among the Loyalists there. The British soldiers lost many battles in the north during the first few years of the Revolution and must of the population now supported the Patriots. When news reached Savannah in 1775 that the first shots of the Revolution had been fired at the Battle of Lexington & Concord, the discussions intensified but the fighting seemed far away. She was chosen to provide all the “provisions & liquors” for the grand opening celebration of the newly built Tybee Lighthouse.ĭuring the early 1770s, the conversation at the Tavern turned toward the growing conflict with England over who should govern the colonies. They enjoyed the tavern’s hospitality and soon were asking Abigail to cater official events. Politicians, judges, lawyers, and wealthy businessmen gathered there to discuss the issues of the day.
She used her experience running a house for her family to guide her in opening a tavern where locals could stop for a meal or drink, and weary travelers could stay in the rooms upstairs for a night or two while their horses were tended to in the stable.Ībigail was a skilled hostess, and the Minis Tavern soon became known as the place to go for “elegant entertainments.” It was frequented by the highest levels of Georgia society. She had spent most of her adult life as a wife, mother, and homemaker. After her husband died, Abigail needed a steady stream of income to support her family. The patriot cause appealed to her sense of fairness and freedom – the colonies should not be ruled by a King of a country an ocean away.Ībigail had been operating the Minis Tavern since 1763 with her five daughters assisting her.
#RITA MORENO HUSBAND JEWISH FREE#
She was grateful that she – a Jewish widow – lived in a colony where she was free to own land and worship as she chose. She and her late husband Abraham had built a prosperous life for their family in this new world.
Abigail had arrived in the brand new colony of Georgia as an immigrant from Eastern Europe more than 40 years earlier. The choice between the Loyalist and Patriot causes had been an easy one for Abigail. The town residents were divided – there were Loyalists who supported the British occupation of Savannah, and Rebels who wanted their independence. Abigail, her tavern, her home, and her family (American Jewish Archives Cincinnati)
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