Elizabeth Anah Craighead’s life, spanning from 1729 to 1815, unfolds as a tale deeply intertwined with the fabric of early American history. Born on August 8, 1729, in White Clay Creek Church Cemetery, Newark, New Castle, Delaware, Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas Craighead Jr. and Margaret Brown, both 27 at the time of her birth. She grew up in a large family, with siblings Robert, Margaret, Ann, Thomas, William, George, and Patrick Craighead.

In 1752, Elizabeth’s life took a significant turn when she married James Mackay in Delaware. This union blessed them with at least one daughter. However, her journey as a wife and mother further evolved when she married James Lacey Center in 1764. Together, they had a large family, including children Luke, James Jr., Stephen, Abner, Judea, Anthony, Jessie T., Keziah, and Mary “Polly Anna” Center.

Elizabeth’s life was set against the backdrop of significant historical events. In 1731, two years after her birth, Willington (later Wilmington), Delaware, was founded. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) also marked a tumultuous period during her mid-twenties, with conflicts in the upper Delaware River Valley. In 1764, the same year she married James Lacey Center, the western boundary of Delaware was surveyed, forming part of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Living in colonial America, Elizabeth’s life would have been shaped by the socio-economic and political landscapes of her time. As a woman in the 18th century, her role would have been primarily centered around managing the household and raising children. The Craighead family, of Scottish descent, might have faced certain challenges and prejudices, typical of the ethnic and racial dynamics of colonial America. However, specific details of any discrimination faced by Elizabeth or her family are not documented.

The family’s migration patterns, if any, are not explicitly recorded, but it’s likely that they remained in the Delaware area, as evidenced by the birth and death locations of Elizabeth and her family members. Life in Delaware during this period would have been rural and agrarian, with communities closely knit around church and family.

Elizabeth’s story is also a reflection of the broader narrative of early American settlers. These were times of foundational change, with new communities being established, borders being drawn, and the very beginnings of what would become the United States taking shape. The challenges faced by Elizabeth and her family were representative of the struggles and resilience of early American settlers.

Elizabeth passed away in 1815 in Sussex, Delaware, United States, at the age of 86. She was laid to rest in Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lewes, Sussex, Delaware, leaving behind a legacy interwoven with the early history of America. Her life, marked by personal milestones and historical events, offers a glimpse into the experiences and challenges of living in colonial and early post-colonial America.