Esther de Berdt Reed | |
|---|---|
 | |
| First Lady of Pennsylvania | |
| In role December 1, 1778 – September 18, 1780 | |
| Governor | Joseph Reed |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth Smith Bryan |
| Succeeded by | Sarah Lloyd Moore |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 22, 1746 London, England |
| Died | September 18, 1780 (aged 33) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Resting place | Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5, including Joseph Reed |
Esther de Berdt Reed (October 22, 1746 – September 18, 1780) served as first lady of Pennsylvania during her husband Joseph Reed's term as president of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a role analogous to Governor of Pennsylvania, from 1778 to 1780. She was active in the American Revolutionary War as a civic leader for soldiers' relief. She published Sentiments of an American Woman which called for financial sacrifice and an increased role of women in public service. Along with Sarah Franklin Bache, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin, she co-founded the Ladies Association of Philadelphia which raised money to provide resources for George Washington's troops during the war. She was recognized as a member of the Daughters of Liberty post-mortem for her efforts in support of the American Revolution.