The month of March is mostly recognized as the month of
Women’s History. In light of that, we will discuss Rebecca Lukens as a business
woman and a local important figure.
Rebecca Lukens was born on January 6, 1794 in Marlboro, New
Jersey. Her father was Isaac Pennock, a Quaker, who founded the Federal
Slitting Mill near Coatesville around 1793.
Rebecca was an eager child and always willing to learn. Her
father’s mill captured her interest in the business world at a young age and
served as a starting point for her. Because of her family, she received a
better education than most children, especially girls, during that time. During her education in Delaware, she learned
sciences, French, and mathematics.
In 1810, Rebecca’s father acquired the Coates farm and
converted the sawmill that was on the property to an iron works. This would be
known as the Brandywine Iron Works and Nail Factory. After Rebecca met and
married Dr. Charles Lukens from Philadelphia, Lukens left the medical practice
and joined the family in this iron business. While Rebecca was becoming a
mother, Charles helped his father- in- law by becoming a partner in the
business. Rebecca would return to the business world in a few years, however.
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| Rebecca Lukens |
Starting in 1816, the business was being leased to Rebecca
and Charles. Together they came to the conclusion that boiler plate steel was
the future they wanted to head towards. They reconstructed the mill to produce
these boiler plates. Sources say that in December of 1818, the mill became the
first in the United States to produce boiler plate steel. This would be
considered a high quality steel.
Due to this “first”, they were brought on board to construct
the first iron hauled steamboat in America in 1825. This saved the mill from
bankruptcy. This was the vision Rebecca and Charles had for the mill and were
excited for the opportunities to continue.
Sadly, Charles never saw this project completed due to an
unexpected illness which resulted in his death. He was only 39 years old and
left behind a pregnant Rebecca.
This did not stop her however. She was determined to keep
the family business afloat and raise her children. Not putting her eggs in one
basket, she invested in a warehouse, a saddle shop, and dwellings for her
workers in the Coatesville area.
Sources say
that the mill business flourished under her leadership with many calling her a
genius and a savvy businesswoman. History shows that Rebecca made smart choices
and stayed focused during the many hardships, tragedies, and troubles in her
life.
“The First Female Industrialist” died on December 10, 1854
in her home in Brandywine Mansion. At the time of her death, she was the
richest woman in Chester County.
This is a classic story of someone turning their sour lemons
into lemonade. There were many times Rebecca could’ve called it quits and gave
up the business when people didn’t believe in her. Instead, she believed in her
own courses of action which resulted in her status today as an icon in the industrial
world and is credited as the first female CEO.
Her story is inspiring since she lived during a time where
women couldn’t even vote. We are happy that this Coatesville resident broke
barriers and ceilings all in a time where it was deemed impossible. We hope
that her story inspires all girls and women to take control of their own
careers whatever it may be.
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