When glancing at political history it is easy to overlook people who did not hold official titles, but nevertheless many had lasting influence. One such figure is Elizabeth Willing Powel (1743-1830), a mayor’s wife, bereaved mother, poet, confidante of George and Martha Washington, and grand dame of the “Republican Court.” If she is remembered in popular culture it is likely due to her asking Benjamin Franklin whether “a republic or a monarchy” was the product of the Constitutional Convention, prompting his memorable reply, “a republic...if you can keep it.” Maryland delegate James McHenry (later Secretary of War) witnessed this conversation and scribbled it in his journal the day of the signing. As years passed the anecdote grew more legendary, with Dr. Franklin’s response becoming more flowery and a bit slanted towards whatever angle the press had at that moment. When Mrs. Powel was asked about the story in 1814, she wasn’t sure she remembered it, but wrote, “I cannot venture to deny after so many Years have elapsed that such conversations had passed. I well remember to have frequently associated with the most respectable, influential Members of the Convention that framed the Constitution, and that the all-important Subject was frequently discussed at our House.”
Mrs. Powel was born to Charles and Anne Shippen Willing in Philadelphia, PA on February 10th, 1743, the sixth of eleven children. Her father and one of her brothers both served terms as mayor of Philadelphia, and she was once rumored to be engaged to “Penman of the Revolution” John Dickinson. She in fact was married in 1769 to Samuel Powel, a wealthy and well-traveled gentleman who spent time in Europe socializing with enlightenment thinkers including Voltaire and Pope Clement XIII. Marquis de Chatellux described the couple as inseparable, “two friends, happily matched in point of understanding, taste, and information.” Sadly, the Powels had four children who were either stillborn or did not live past infancy or toddlerhood. During the Revolutionary War Mr. Powel was elected Mayor of Philadelphia and the Powels stayed fairly neutral, but they did financially support the Continental Army. Mrs. Powel hosted French salon-style parties at their Third Street residence, drawing intellectual leaders of the day to discuss important ideas and current events. The Washingtons moved in next door to the Powels following the victory at Yorktown and they became close friends. During the Constitutional Convention, George Washington visited the Powels more than any other family in Philadelphia, and the Powels were regular guests at Mount Vernon as well.
Mrs. Powel was certainly a well-educated and trusted voice in her own right, and was influential in advising President Washington to serve a second term. Her sisters wrote that “in society she will animate and give a brilliancy to the whole Conversation, and the uncommon command she has of Language and her ideas flow with rapidity… her Patriotism causes too much Anxiety. Female politicians are always ridiculed by the other Sex.” It is worth noting that when Franklin told Mrs. Powel we have a republic “if you can keep it,” he essentially charged a woman with no office – and not even the right to vote – with keeping the republic. This brief conversation memorializes Elizabeth Willing Powel as an example of practical patriotism wherever we find ourselves in life.
This essay was delivered at the inaugural meeting of The Keepers organization in Crestview, Florida on January 12, 2026.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Jake Phillips, “Elizabeth Powel: The Real First Lady,” History 117: US History to 1877, November 7, 2014, last accessed January 19, 2026.
Lee Ann Potter, “A Republic, If You Can Keep It,” Library of Congress Blogs, September 8, 2016, last accessed January 19, 2026.
“Elizabeth Willing Powel,” Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, last accessed January 19, 2026.
“Elizabeth Willing Powel to George Washington, 17 November 1792,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-11-02-0225, last accessed January 19, 2026.
Samuel Powel biography, Pennsylvania Senate Library, last accessed January 19, 2026.
