Van Lew, Elizabeth L., 1818-1900

Elizabeth L. Van Lew (1818-1900) was an American abolitionist and federal agent during the U.S. Civil War. She aided the Union cause by providing intelligence reports from Richmond, Virginia, where she lived. She helped Union prisoners escape from their captors and also was involved in the "underground railroad". After the war, President Grant appointed her Postmaster of Richmond; then in 1877 she went to Washington, D.C. to work in the U.S. Post Office Department. She returned to Richmond during the Cleveland administration and spent her remaining years working for women's rights.

From the guide to the Elizabeth Van Lew papers, 1862-1901, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

Elizabeth Van Lew was a Union spy who lived in Richmond, Va. She was the postwar postmistress of Richmond.

From the description of Papers, 1854-1926. (College of William & Mary). WorldCat record id: 23170531