Margaret (Champlin) Mason (1764-1841)

She was born in Newport, Rhode Island. She had the honor of dancing with George Washington at the French Ball on March 7, 1781. She was chosen for the opening number, 'A Successful Campaign' for which the French officers, "with the most graceful courtesy, took the instruments from the musicians and played while the couple stepped through the minuet". The Prince de Broglie recalled that, "Miss Champlin had beautiful eyes, a sweet mouth, and perfectly shaped face, fine figure, pretty foot, and an air altogether attractive". In 1788, Peggy married Dr Benjamin Mason and they were the parents of four children, including Elizabeth, wife of Naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry.