Elizabeth Ambler Brent Carrington

Elizabeth Jaquelin Ambler Brent Carrington was a prominent Richmond civic leader, philanthropist, and advocate for the education of young women. Born in Yorktown, Virginia, on March 11, 1765, she was the daughter of Jaquelin Ambler, a prosperous merchant who later served as Virginia’s state treasurer, and Rebecca Burwell Ambler. During the American Revolution, her family fled Yorktown and eventually settled in Richmond.

Educated at home by her father, Elizabeth developed a lifelong love of reading and a strong belief in women’s education. She first married William Brent in 1785, but he died just months later. In 1792, she married Edward Carrington, a Revolutionary War patriot and prominent Richmond citizen. Her sister Mary married John Marshall, who later became Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Around 1805, Elizabeth co-founded the Female Humane Association of Richmond to provide shelter and education for orphaned and destitute girls. She served as its secretary for decades. The organization eventually evolved into what is now known as the Memorial Foundation for Children.

Elizabeth died on February 15, 1842, and is believed to be buried beside her husband in the historic churchyard of St. John’s Church in Richmond. Her grave remains unmarked.

Elizabeth is featured in Ken Burns’ documentary series The American Revolution. On March 23, 2025, during his visit to St. John’s Church commemorating the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech, Burns laid a rose at Edward Carrington’s grave. He also wished to visit Elizabeth’s grave, but its unmarked location made it impossible to identify with certainty, a reminder of a remarkable woman whose contributions deserve to be remembered.