Mary Magdalena von Schlegel Bedinger(s1)
A family can develop only with a loving mother at its center
Karl Wilhelm Friedrich von Schlegel
The line quoted above from Karl von Schlegel could have been inspired by his own cousin Magdalena von Schlegel Bedinger. The death of her husband, Henry Bedinger (1), left Magdalena a widow with eight children; baby Solomon was but a year old. Magdalena was certainly up to the task. She saw to the well-being and education of her children through their early years. These were the trying years of turmoil and upheaval during the Revolution. At the outbreak of the Revolution in 1775, Henry and George Michael volunteered for service leaving Magdalena at home with five children ages 4 to 14 years. Daniel left home a year later at the age of 15 to join the army. In 1776, George Michael returned after the battle of Germantown and built his mother a house in town for her and her children. In 1777 Daniel returned home to convalesce from imprisonment by the British before returning to service. Henry after his second enlistment in 1776 did not return home until released from British imprisonment in 1780. Soon thereafter Henry recruited another rifle unit and led them to the military action in the south.
Although Mary Magdalena was helped sporadically by her older boys, she was largely in charge of her household and her family’s well-being. She moved from town to land purchased from Abel Morgan, adjoining the original Bedinger farm. She purchased additional nearby land from William Morgan. She engaged in agricultural pursuits to support the family; her daughters married into good families and her younger boys, Jacob and Solomon grew to manhood; she continued to farm until the time of her death, as revealed in the following abstract of her will[i].
I Mary Magdalen Bedinger somewhat weak in body but of sound health of Mind…I leave the land I purchased from William Morgan on the Main road from Shepherdstown to Charles Town and joining that tract which was Bequeathed to me during my Natural life by my late husband Henry Bedinger Dec[ease]d…to be disposed of as Directed by the last will of said Deceased Husband, as also the Land I purchased of Abel Morgan (whereon I now live)…My two youngest sons to wit Jacob Bedinger & Solomon Bedinger, Executors…Aug 13, 1796
Magdalene (her mark) Bedinger
Witness
Jacob Bedinger
Henry Bedinger
Abraham Morgan
Probated Jan 23, 1797
Following was transcribed by Danske Dandridge from the will. Presumably it is material that was of interest to Ms. Dandridge that was not included in the will abstract, above.
…land I purchased from Wm Morgan lying on the road from Shepherdstown to Charles Town and adjoining that tract or parcel wh[ich] was bequeathed to me during my natural life by my late husband to be disposed of in like manner with that parcel as is directed by last will etc also the land I purchased of Abel Morgan where on I live & that addjoning there wh[ich] I b[ou]ght of John Shepherd (being 2 acres & 12 poles) I leave to be disposed of in the same manner. My household and kitchen furniture, my cattle, sheep, hogs & other property I leave to be sold & the money etc. shall be divided equally amongst all my children
13 Aug 1796
“That she was a woman of intelligence and good education for those times is clear….The writer has seen a letter she wrote to her son George Michael Bedinger of Kentucky, dated ‘Shepherds Town, August 4, 1796’. It is in excellent English, the handwriting exquisitely fine, almost as if it were engraved.” This may have been the last letter she wrote. Her will is witnessed and signed a few days later on 13 August, 1796.[ii] It is regrettable that we do not have an original of this last letter, but a transcription of the letter is given below.[iii]
Shepherds Town August 4, 1796
Dear Son, As I have not anything new to acquaint you with yet the present being favorable an opportunity induces me to write and hope you will excuse my having so little to say and I am determined to acquaint you as often as opportunity serves the state of health of myself and family, which at present is perfectly good. Your last mentions yours and family’s health which gave me great satisfaction and for a continuance of which my most sanguine prayers are offered. Daniel his wife and family are now with us and have been for some time but returns for home in a few days. Jacob Morgan intends to go with them in consequence of his aunt Sally’s invitation to spend the ensuing winter with them. Daniel says that when he left home Solomon was well and in a good way & making money in the Mercantile Business. There has lately happens several deaths in this place, particularly old Mr. Smurr, old Angel & Mrs. Pollock all of whom you formerly knew. I am particularly anxious to know when you can come to see us, let we know your next when we may expect you. So with wishes for your & your family’s health & prosperity. Conclude your Affectionate Mother Magdalene Bedinger |
George Michael was always the son who was concerned about the welfare of his family, especially his mother. During the Revolution, he signed up for short enlistments so not to be too long away from his family in Shepherdstown. He was concerned about his mother living alone in the country with young children. In 1779, after his expedition to Kentucky, he delayed a trip to carry wagon loads of supplies to the army and to find his brother Daniel, to build his mother a house in Shepherdstown. George Michael's mother, in turn, was continually worried about his safety and whereabouts because of his adventurous spirit which lead him to engage in the dangerous exploits during the Revolution and his expeditions to the wild, untamed and hostile Indian country of Kentucky.
Sources:
[i] Two documents containing fragments of the will of Mary Magdalena Bedinger are found in the Bedinger-Dandridge Family Papers, box 38, Duke University. One copy is an abstract written in ink, legible and headed as Berkeley Co., Wills, 3, 18, probated 23 January 1797. The other is additional material from the will recorded by Danske Dandridge.
[ii] Susan Boteler Pendleton, “The Bedinger Family”, Magazine of the Jefferson County Historical Society, vol. IX, Dec. 1943, p. 41-48.
[iii] From a copy of a letter from Magdalene Bedinger to her son George Michael Bedinger in Lower Blue Licks , Kentucky, in the Historic Shepherdstown Museum Archives, transcribed by Helen Boteler Pendleton.
[ii] Susan Boteler Pendleton, “The Bedinger Family”, Magazine of the Jefferson County Historical Society, vol. IX, Dec. 1943, p. 41-48.
[iii] From a copy of a letter from Magdalene Bedinger to her son George Michael Bedinger in Lower Blue Licks , Kentucky, in the Historic Shepherdstown Museum Archives, transcribed by Helen Boteler Pendleton.
Page modified 12 January 2016.