The Battle of Brandywine took place on Sept. 11, 1777. Like that
fateful day in 2001 and its aftermath, this Revolutionary War
episode produced many heroes. One heroine shines above the rest:
Mary "Polly" Frazer. She is a glowing figure in the long history
of Thornbury Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, seven
miles from the Brandywine site and about 20 miles from downtown
Philadelphia. "Polly Frazer was one of the best patriots the
Revolution had," said Joan Dehm, president of the Thornbury
Township Historical Society. "She did things the average person
would never dream of doing. She showed patriotism on every
front. She's a great role model for women and everyone in
general." On Sept. 11, the British surrounded the Americans'
camp. The Americans fought bravely but had to retreat toward
Chester. Persifor was ordered to scout the British Army. On his
way to that assignment, he stopped home to rest. A group of
American riflemen warned the Frazers that local Tories--those
who remained loyal to the British