Jane Mecom (1712-1794)

You marry Edward Mecom, a saddlemaker, when you’re 15. Benjamin Franklin is one of your sixteen siblings. He calls you "my favorite" and sends you frequent letters. After your husband's death, you support yourself by taking boarders into your home. Your house is popular with lawmakers who come to Boston when the Assembly is in session. Two of your sons develop mental illnesses. You struggle but fail to save them from the poorhouse. You flee Boston in 1775. British soldiers loot your home and you lose ev