Darragh, Lydia (1729–1789)

Irish-born American nurse. She emigrated to Philadelphia where she became known as a skilful nurse and midwife. Although a Quaker, she rejected their extreme pacifism and this led to her suspension from the sect. She was readmitted by the time of her death.

She married William Darragh in 1753 in Ireland and they emigrated together. It was during the American Revolution that she became a ‘Fighting Quaker’, and her convictions led her, in 1777, to leave Philadelphia in order to warn the American army leaders of a coming surprise attack by the British.