Jane, a widow, was a woman of rare mental endowments, and survived her husband James for more than half a century.

She was a recommended minister in the Society of Friends [Quaker].

She superintended the education of her children, a task for which she was fully competent, and which she most faithfully performed. Dr. William Darlington, who remembered her very well, used to speak of her as the queen of the county. Her style of dress, while in strict conformity with the simplicity of Friends, was peculiarly becoming to her tall and graceful person and native dignity of manner.

After the battle of Brandywine all the live-stock of her farm was driven off for the use of the British army. She determined to recover, if possible, a favorite cow, to which she was much attached, and for that purpose made a personal application to *Gen. Howe. He received her courteously, and she stated her case.

"Madam," said the general, "may I ask your name?" "My name," she said, "is Jane Gibbons." "Have you not a son in the rebel army?" he inquired. "I have a son in George Washington’s army," she answered. "I am afraid, madam," he replied, "that you love your cow better than your king!" Without replying to the impeachment, she only said, "I bid thee farewell," and immediately retired. Her suit failed with Gen. Howe, but the cow escaped from the enemy, and found her way back to her kind mistress.

This good lady died Jan. 12, 1798, at the age of ninety-six years.


*General William Howe (1729–1814) was a British army officer who rose to become Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence. Howe was one of three brothers who enjoyed distinguished military careers. 1661