Phoebe Ann Rush



Phoebe Ann Rush (Ridgway; 1797/9–1857), often called "Madam Rush" after her marriage, was an American socialite and literary hostess.

Life
Mary Ann Ridgeway, a daughter of Jacob Ridgway, was born in Philadelphia in either 1797 or 1799. She was highly educated in early life, well versed in the languages and literature of modern Europe, and by her social tact and conversational powers became one of the noted American women of her time. Her house in Philadelphia has been called one of the finest in the United States, and her entertainments were on a large and luxurious scale.

Personal life
Her husband, James Rush, was a son of Benjamin Rush.