#77 Crazy Betsy

Elizabeth Van Lew, or "Crazy Betsy"

Elizabeth Van Lew hated slavery, which, for a woman living in Richmond when the Civil War broke out, was odd in and of itself. But she was also outspoken, and dressed strangely, which earned her the name of "Crazy Betsy," or "Crazy Bet." Nevertheless, her neighbors had no idea how strange she actually was: she was a Union spy.

Born, raised, and schooled in Philadelphia, Lizzie, as her family knew her, lived with her mother in Richmond following her father's death. When the war broke out, she was in her 40s, and was a staunch Unionist.

The most remarkable thing about Van Lew is that she was pro-Union out in the open. On days of fasting and prayer proclaimed by the Confederate government, Van Lew held elaborate meals and openly voiced her opinions against slavery.

In retrospect, it seems that her eccentricities helped advance her plight to help the Union and its soldiers. Everyone saw her as harmless, and therefore let her do as she wished. As the war progressed, she refitted her home with secret passages, hidden rooms, and supposed tunnels that led to the James River. Many escapees are believed to have taken shelter there on their way northward.

She also gained access to the prisons to carry books and food to the imprisoned Union officers, who passed her information that had been overheard. Moreover, Van Lew organized a Union sympathizer group in Richmond, which included Elizabeth Bowser, an African-American woman who was on the whitehouse staff and overheard important conversations as she served meals and attended to Jefferson Davis.

In retrospect, it is truly remarkable how she was able to hide in plain sight, being dismissed as slightly crazy person, yet be among the most effective spies for the entire Civil War. General U.S. Grant stated that Van Lew had provided the most valuable information from Richmond during the war. He later appointed her postmistress of the city.

Sources:

"Civil War Podcast by Dr. James Robertson," produced by WVTF Public Radio. Accessed at  http://www.wvtf.org/news_and_notes/feeds/wvtf_cw_rss.php on May 20, 2011.

"Elizabeth Van Lew." Accessed at http://www.civilwarhome.com/vanlewbio.htm on May 20, 2011.