This column is part two of a look at the marriage, courtship and family practices of our ancestors. See web.campbell.edu/faculty/vandergriffk/FamColonial.html for more information.
When it came to courtship, sex and marriage, we might believe that every Puritan was uptight and moral according to their strict religious codes, but we would be wrong. During the 17th century, it is estimated that about 10 percent of the births in New England came too soon after a marriage. By the middle of the 18th century and following the American Revolution, this number had risen to 40 percent.
Although the religious view of sexual conduct was quite strict, there was a difference between what the ministers preached and the behavior that the people accepted. A widely held view in the culture of the time was that a physical relationship was acceptable to begin at the time a couple became engaged.
Bundling, also called tarrying, was a custom that originated in England (and some other European cultures) and was carried over to the American colonies. Bundling allowed a courting couple to get into the same bed and court under the covers, presumably clothed. Sometimes a “bundling board” would be placed between the two, or each would be placed in a “bundling sack.” This practice usually took place in the girl’s home, with her parents asleep nearby. The custom of bundling was most common in the wintertime in poorer households and on the frontier. It allowed a couple to court after the sun had gone down and fires in the home were burning low. Many commentators of the times pointed out that this practice produced a number of “early births” that took place after a courting couple had hastily married. This was accepted by the society. Bundling as a custom lasted into the mid-1800s in some locales before it virtually died out.
Attitudes about sex and marriage in the South and on the frontier differed from those in New England. Part of this was due to the way in which the two areas were originally settled. New England was settled mainly by families seeking freedom of religious expression. They lived primarily in villages under the watchful gaze of their neighbors. Many of the southern colonies, such as North and South Carolina, were settled primarily by single men who came to the new world to seek their fortunes. These settlers most commonly lived on plantations that were far apart.
Cohabitation, bigamy, adultery, and serial cohabitation were all a part of early life in the Carolinas as well as on the frontier. Many brides were pregnant at the time of the wedding. In the South, marriage was a religious contract rather than a civil one as in New England. Access to clergy in the South and especially on the frontier, was often lacking, so couples cohabited without an official marriage, living in “common law” marriages. This practice was so widespread in the settlement of early Kentucky that in 1782 the legislature passed a law stating that all un-solemnized frontier marriages would be seen as legal. See www.brianreeves.com/Hume%20John/John%20Hume.htm for the petition that was sent to the Virginia legislature (Kentucky was a part of Virginia at that time).
A double standard existed in the South between what behaviors were allowed for a man versus a woman, especially in the upper classes. Upper class white women were expected to remain pure before marriage and expected to be faithful after marriage. They were held in respect and esteem by white men, and any straying from this standard would result in their ruination. However, a man could have relationships before marriage and commit adultery after marriage with virtually no consequence. The objects of their infidelity were white women of the lower and middle classes and female slaves.
History
GENEALOGY: Puritans not as uptight as you might think
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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