The true story of Paul Revere’s midnight ride on April 19, 1775, is somewhat obscured by the passage of time and reliance on second-hand oral accounts. While the details surrounding Violet’s involvement remain a mystery, we do know that she resided at Hartwell Tavern when Paul Revere was captured nearby. He had already warned John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington of the approaching British. Revere and William Dawes set out from there on separate routes toward Concord (where a massive supply of patriot munitions was being stockpiled) to warn the Minutemen. Upon rendezvousing, they met a young Dr. Samuel Prescott who was out romancing his sweetheart. All three riders were together when Revere was captured. Dawes was apparently chased and escaped, but lost his mount. Prescott, however, managed to evade capture by leaping over a stone wall on his horse. Through cover of brush and swampland, he emerged near Hartwell Tavern to inform the patriots there before continuing on to Concord, spreading the warning along the way.
It is said that Violet was sent from the tavern to the Hartwell farmhouse to alert Samuel and Mary Hartwell, who were likely asleep at the time. Violet is believed to have cared for their baby and toddlers while Samuel and Mary hurried off. Samuel, a gunsmith and sergeant with the Lincoln Minute Men, had preparations to make for battle, while Mary is said to have relayed the alarm to their neighbor, Captain William Smith (brother of Abigail Adams), who sounded the town bells and rallied his troops.
The Minute Men reached the Old North Bridge in time to confront and repel the British forces at Lexington and Concord, the opening battles of the Revolution. Captain Smith’s company was the first to arrive in Concord and the initial shot fired at the bridge there became known as the “shot heard round the world.” Upon the British retreat, Lincoln (including Hartwell Tavern) is where the enemy began to run out of ammo and the largest number of casualties was taken there. Tyrannies near and far have fallen as a result of that day.
Violet’s apparent role in relaying the message and caring for the children may seem small, but it was crucial. Had she failed, it could have been the end of the American Revolution before it really began. This was the debut. When Violet was called to center stage on opening night in the theater of war, she performed beautifully. Her contribution, however seemingly insignificant, is highly esteemed and honored by Hartwell University. Her faithfulness in the little things (Luke 16:10) makes her one of the inspiring heroes in the story of Hartwell Tavern and the American Revolution.
“Igniting Freedom’s Light”
In shadows cast by chains, young Violet did arise, Born a slave, her spirit fierce, she sought to claim the skies. No place assigned but servitude, her worth unrecognized, Yet destiny had other plans, where courage harmonized.
With tireless hands and gentle heart, she toiled day and night, An unseen figure in the dark, veiled by oppressive plight. But fate’s design was intricate, weaving a grand decree, For Violet held a secret key to set the people free.
Amidst the whispers of unrest, where liberty took hold, She played a part, unyielding, in stories yet untold. When Paul Revere, the midnight’s herald, raced through the land, It was through Violet’s faithful heart that liberty found a hand.
On that historic night, she stood with steadfast might, Conveying messages of urgent plight, igniting freedom’s light. To Samuel and dear Mary Hartwell, with trust in her eyes, She imparted Paul’s words, his mission in disguise.
From their grasp, the words took flight, on wings of urgency, A message sent to spark the flame, to claim their destiny. The echoes of Violet’s voice carried on the wind, Toppling monarchs and tyranny, a revolution to begin.
Through the passage of time, her tale remained concealed, Buried beneath the pages, where the truth was half-revealed. But now her name shall be proclaimed, her courage lifted high, A beacon of hope and strength, forever in the sky.
Violet, the silent heroine, who dared to pave the way, Her legacy transcends the chains that sought to hold at bay. Though born a slave, she claimed her place in history’s embrace, A symbol of resilience, defying a world confined by race.
So let her story be retold, through valleys, hills, and streams, A testament to all the dreams that rise above extremes. In Violet’s name, we honor those who fought for freedom’s plea, For she, a hidden force, helped ignite sweet liberty.*
*The picture of Violet Thayer above and “Igniting Freedom’s Light” was generated by AI with my help to artistically convey her historical significance and faithful heart.