Mecom, Jane Franklin (1712–1794)

views updated

Mecom, Jane Franklin (1712–1794)

American home economist. Name variations: Jane Franklin. Born Jane Franklin, Mar 27, 1712, in Boston, MA; died c. May 9, 1794, in Boston; dau. of Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger; sister of Benjamin Franklin (diplomat, writer and inventor); m. Edward Mecom (saddler), July 27, 1727 (died 1765); children: 8 sons, 4 daughters.

Left for Rhode Island at beginning of siege of Boston (1775); escorted by and taken into home of younger brother Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia (1775–77); returned to Boston and lived in home owned by him (1784); despite wide gap in education and economic status, maintained warm relationship with brother via extensive correspondence; was periodically assisted by him financially and was bequeathed his Boston home.