Women's Advance through the 19th Century from 1830-1860
"I have nothing interesting to write we are all busy as bees. We have got forty seven hogsheads of beautiful sugar made and are not half done yet...when I am here I am so delighted to meet with woods and hills again that I am rambling about from morning till night." -Mary C. Weeks to her brother Alfred T. Conrad, November 29, 1820
Beginning
in 1834, for three generations of Weeks women this site was home. While
daily physical existence for southern women varied little throughout the
century, the Civil War created a catalyst for change. Southern women assumed
men's roles as their husbands, brothers, and sons went to war. After the
war women continued to operate plantations, entered the work force and
organized for public benefit.
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1830 Godey's Lady's Book first published & US population is 12.8 million with only 8.8% in cities |
1848 |
1852 |
1861 |
1870 |
1878 |
1881 |
1900 |
| A Woman's Place |
Viewing Women from the Men's Perspective |
Civil War and the Aftermath |
| "I gave five or six vomits this morning and other medecine in proportion so You may guess that I am kept pretty busy." -Mary C. Weeks to her brother Alfred C. Conrad, November 1, 1819 | "...let me recall to your recollection a sentiment, which can never be too constantly kept in mind-that no literary, or intellectual education, which you can possibly receive, will ever supply the place of, or compensate...for the affections-the feelings of the heart." F.D. Conrad to his sister Elizabeth Conrad, February 9, 1822 | "I wish you would write what I had best send off, all the family are urgeing me to start the carts, Burrel is still in the cabin sick so is Marcellus they are the only ones that know the way." -Mary C. Moore to John Moore, December 16, 1862 |
| "I beg you to exert yourself to get him down as soon as possible for my patience is nearly exhausted with waiting so long for a house." -Mary C. Weeks to her brother A.C Conrad, June 12, 1820 | "So that you may become...useful as well an ornament to Society at least in the Sphere in which you will move." -John Moore's advice to his wife's daughter Harriet Weeks, September 1852 | with great effort I...write a few [lines] to say how anxious I am. So many I love be [away] from me my days are passed in [fear] and trembling." Mary C. Moore to John moore, September 19, 1863 |
| "I have lost a good deal of sleep lately with Mr. Weeks who has been afflicted with A violent ear Ache for sometime past and it [is] late at night and I can hardly keep my eyes open..." -Mary C. Weeks to A.C. Conrad, October 27, 1820 | "Please find some flowers sent by today's--no tomorrow morning's express to your address. They are loose, laid on moss, and your faultless taste can be exercised in arranging them..." -Gilbert Hall, in courting, to Lily Weeks, December 6, 1881 | "Second Louisiana went down the day I was in New Town. Lilly enjoyed it very much. Our cattle are suffering very much for water it is very dry indeed...do come as soon as you can conveniently, but do not leave your business undone on our account.." -Mary P. Weeks to her husband Wm. F. Weeks, Sept. 5, 1863 |
| "Marcellus said he was going for the Cart at the Canal. I wish him to get more from the woods while Aaron is there. He had best get the best wood as it [is] much decayed and some of it not worth hauling. He can get a load every day. I will thank you to see they water the things well...tell Fanny to keep the yellow roses well covered. Tell Louisa to lock up the Silver...Tell Hailey to keep the door[s] and window[s] in the parlour shut." -M.C. Moore to her husband John Moore, April 24, 1858 | "Of course, I realize how deep down in that home you are sheltered, how you are loved, and I would not for the world strain the chains that bind you there. I feel that I could strengthen that bond..." -Gilbert Hall to Lily Weeks, January 19, 1885 | "I keep hoping that something will turn up for me, but all looks dark and gloomy now. The hands will have nothing to eat. As for my crop I know no more about it than you do, all is taken out of my hands." -Allie Weeks Weightman to her brother W.F. Weeks, January 13, 1885 |
Next Page: Women of the Time: 1860-1880
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