PA PAST PLAYERS

Lydia H. Smith
1815 – 1884
Lancaster, PA

Lydia Hamilton Smith was born in Gettysburg on February 14, 1815, to an African mother and Irish father. She was widowed with two young sons and moved to Lancaster, PA, to work for the congressman Thaddeus Stevens in 1847. She started as his housekeeper and learned quickly how to manage a household with staff, as well as how to manage the household finances.

Lydia purchased the first of several homes in Lancaster in 1860. This was quite an accomplishment for a woman of color. She went on to also purchase property in Washington, D.C.

In 1868, Congressman Stevens died in Washington, D.C. Smith had hired nuns from a local convent to care for him in his last days. Smith and Thaddeus, Stevens’ nephew, stayed by his side until his death in August of that year. Smith remained in Washington, D.C. and managed her property, which she turned into a boarding home. Upon her death (on her birthday) in 1884, she left in her will properties and cash totaling over $20,000.

Contact Mark Beyerle for more information on planning your group tour or call 215-625-7908.