Emily Geiger - Revolutionary Heroine - Cayce, SC
N 33° 58.171 W 081° 04.053
17S E 493759 N 3758778
This monument at the local historic society honors a revolutionary War Heroine.
Waymark Code: WM9J4X
Location: South Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 08/25/2010
Views: 3
Emily Geiger
Heroine of the Revolutionary War
Captured while delivering secret message from Gen Greene to Gen Sumter
Held captive at Fort Granby
July 3, 1781
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The following biography was found:
GEIGER, Emily, Revolutionary heroine, born about 1760. At the period when General Greene retreated before Lord Rawdon from Ninety-Six, South Carolina. during the Revolutionary war, and had passed Broad River, he was anxious to send an order to General Sumter, who was then encamped on the Wateree, to join him and attack Rawdon, who had divided his forces. But no one could be found willing to run the risk of traversing a section of country that was infested by revengeful Tories. At length a young girl, Emily Geiger by name, offered her services, greatly to the surprise of the American officer, who at once accepted them. He accordingly wrote a letter, which he gave to the girl, but at the same time informed her of its contents, that she might be able to deliver the rues-sage orally in case of accident. Emily set out on horseback, and met with no adventures until the second day, when she was intercepted by Lord Rawdon's scouts. Not being skilled in the art of telling falsehoods, she was suspected and placed in confinement, and an old Tory matron was sent for, that she might be searched. Emily utilized the interval by eating the letter, and, nothing suspicious being afterward found on her, she was allowed to proceed. By taking a circuitous route, she succeeded in reaching her destination and discharging her mission. In consequence, Sumter soon joined the main army at Orangeburg. Emily Geiger married a wealthy planter named Threrwits, who lived on the Congaree River, South Carolina.
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