The widows' might : widowhood and gender in early British America /
Conger, Vivian Bruce.
New York : New York University Press,
[2009]
Explores how widows were portrayed in early American culture, and how widows themselves created identities in response to their unique roles. Utilizing widows' wills, prescriptive literature, court appearances, newspaper advertisements and letters, the author analyzes how widows in colonial Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Maryland navigated their domestic, legal, economic, and community roles in early American society.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-237) and index.
Introduction: "Lay In A Stock Of Graces Against The Evil Day Of Widowhood" -- 1. "Though She Were Yong, Yet She Did Not Affect a Second Marriage": The Cultural Community and Widow Remarriage -- 2. "Prosperity & Peace May Alwais Him Attend That to the Widdow Prove Himselfe a Friend": Widows and the Law -- 3. "To the Tenderness of a Mother Add the Care and Conduct of a Father": Widows and the Household -- 4. "Tho She No More Increase One Family, She May Support Many": Neighborly Widows -- 5. "Through Industry and Care Acquired Some Estate of My Own ... Much Advanced the Same": Widows in the Economic Community -- Conclusion: "Witnesses to a Will of Madam Toys."
Explores how widows were portrayed in early American culture, and how widows themselves created identities in response to their unique roles. Utilizing widows' wills, prescriptive literature, court appearances, newspaper advertisements and letters, the author analyzes how widows in colonial Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Maryland navigated their domestic, legal, economic, and community roles in early American society.
Widows
Widows