Per National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute. Object #NPG.2016132. Portrait of Betsy a gift from her 4th great granddaughter Seelye Burr Longnecker. In the beginning of the 19th century. Betsy Colt Foot served as the guiding force behind the establishment of the Union School for Girls in Albany, N. Y. [now the Albany Academy for Girls]. Prompted by the lack of educational opportunities for her daughter, Lucretia, she encouraged her husband Ebenezer Foot, who was a lawyer, to draw up a charter for a new school that would provide girls with a classical education. They received overwhelming support of other families in the area and the academy was soon realized.
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Ballston Journal, Ballston Spa, N. Y. 13 July 1847
DIED
At the residence of her son-in-law, Lebbeus Booth, Esq. in this village [Ballston Spa], on Wednesday morning last [7 July], Mrs. Betsey Foote, widow of Ebenezer Foote, formerly of Albany, in the 73rd year of her age.
Her many acts of benevolence and other eminent virtues, has caused her to be universally respected and beloved by an extensive circle of acquaintences—who deeply your her loss.
A sermon well adapted to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. D. Babcock, on Friday morning following.
Researched and transcribed by Bill Preston #47695598
Contributor: bill preston (47695598) • prestonwm77@gmail.com