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
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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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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
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