Pickersgill, Mary (1776–1857)

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Pickersgill, Mary (1776–1857)

American flagmaker and reformer. Name variations: Mary Young Pickersgill. Born Mary Young, 1776, in Philadelphia, PA; died 1857 in Baltimore, MD; dau. of Rebecca Young (a flagmaker); m. John Pickersgill, 1795 (died 1807); children: Caroline.

Moved to Baltimore, MD, as a child; on marriage, lived in Philadelphia (1795–1807); returned to Baltimore and established a flag-making business in her home at 44 Queen St. (now 844 E. Pratt St.); created the 30 × 42 foot American flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the 1814 Battle of Baltimore and inspired our national anthem (it is now housed in the Smithsonian); as a philanthropist and reformer, addressed such issues as housing and financial aid for disadvantaged women; was president of the Impartial Female Humane Society (1828–51) and established a home for elderly women, then men.