Coming To America   Native Americans   Family Life   Economy

Coming To America
Early arrivals to The New World faced many changes and struggles. The ratio of women to men was low as was the life expectancy  of settlers. This meant that most all women were married, or got married shortly after arrival. Disease was a factor because they did not have immunity to diseases native to America. This affected not only settlers, but any children born here as well. This was not only a personal loss when a child did not thrive, it was a loss to the settlement. Native Americans were also affected by the illness brought by settlers for the same reasons. The ordeal of taming the wild frontier - clearing land, building homes, growing food, etc. - as we can see was a formidable undertaking.

Harsh snowy winters, illness, overwork and the task of providing for their families made life difficult for settlers regardless of gender. Despite these hardships and many setbacks, families thrived and overcame the elements in order to build their lives in the New World.

The typical family structure was patriarchal and comprised of not just parents and children. Often included were extended family, servants, boarders and young apprentices sent to live with families and learn the skills needed to succeed as productive adults. Each family was also an economic unit responsible for serving the greater good of the community in various ways. Women generally did what was considered "women's work" such as sewing, gardening, candlemaking, spinning and taking care of the livestock. 

Men were usually engaged in building, farming, and heavier livestock work. Both men and women produced food and necessities for the family and village. It is important to note that although these were the overall job expectations, these were not etched in stone. Besides there being an obvious overlapping of duties, there were times when a wife had to take on the husband's duties as well as her own.

Under circumstances such as illness or travel, women were expected to do non-traditional
jobs such as working the fields, construction and taking care of all farm work. In the case of widows, the additional chores were done until they remarried or until their sons came of age and could take over the family businesses and farms.

Another example of "job sharing" is seen when women, who were primarily responsible for child rearing, became ill or otherwise unable to do their duties. During those times, the men were called upon to fill in for the wives. Recent study indicates that there were even times when women went away on "weaning journies" and left nursing babies with the fathers so that babies had no choice but to become weaned.

As we can see, frontier women were far from the frail looking, mousy types we imagine when we look at images in a book. These women were sturdy enough to put in their share of work as well as their husband's, smart enough to run businesses and farms when called for, and courageous enough to tame a wilderness. This being the case, one would wonder why they allowed themselves to be considered chattel and treated more like children than like equals.

The answer could only be obvious to one who lived in those times, or who has studied their culture. It had alot to do with economics, religion, and most of all with survival. The flexibility of job assignment demonstrates the need for all to do whatever was needed. If the family unit suffered, or did not produce, so did the community suffer the consequences.

Our modern ideas about feminism were not practical in those days. Activities that are today carried out without gender consideration, like finding a place to live, or working, were designated for the most part to be a household responsibilty. Even things that are today carried out by government, such as social welfare, health programs and educational needs, were taken care of within the Colonial household to avoid putting the burden on communities.
 
Women were defined, and did define themselves, by their success in contributing to the household, and skills in gardening, sewing, spinning, child rearing and Christian morality. It was difficult, if not impossible, for a single woman to survive as a free entity in those days.

The economy of early settlers was dependent on farming, livestock, and production of household goods such as textiles, soap, candles and other necessities. Women produced these items and then traded amongst themselves for what they didn't produce. Some things not traded were taken to the market and sold. It was a lively economy and worked well for those who were skilled at one thing and not at another. Despite their often successful cottage industry, the women did not personally benefit from the income. For today's woman, that would be unacceptable, but for those times it was practical and appropriate. But women’s roles did change later in the century, as we will see.

Native Americans

No description settlers could be complete without at least a brief reference to the natives they encountered.

Just as it would be a mistake to make generalizations about this nation because, as in all groups some are friendlier than others, it would be equally incorrect to accept the Hollywood version of Indians as savages. Even those who warred between tribes were sometimes peaceful in their dealings with the settlers.

The Indian traditions and culture were very different than that of the settlers, but in some ways they were superior and more socially productive. For example, rape and spousal abuse were essentially non-existent in the Indian culture. In fact, rape was the one and only crime for which there was a death penalty. Even murder was not addressed by the community. Instead, the next of kin was given the perpetrator to do with as they wished.

Like settlers, Indian men were largely responsible for hunting and fishing. It was necessary to go on hunting trips for months at a time and bring back enough food to last the winter. The bounty was brought back to the village where the women would skin, preserve meats, tan hides and make clothing from the dead animals. During the absence of the men, the women were capable of running the village and providing for daily needs of the entire village.

Indian women were as productive as colonial women, but shared a more equal social status. It is a little known fact that besides foraging, keeping house and child rearing, there were even some Indian women who held positions as chiefs, shamans and other highly valued positions. Like settlers, Indian women also shared jobs with the men as the need arose. The major difference was not so much in what they did or in their abilities to function independently. The notable difference was in how they were viewed by their peers and treated more like partners than endentured servants.

The economy of the Indians as well as the settlers was stimulated by what each provided the other. Baked good, eggs, pelts, and fabric were welcomed items to trade.

This idyllic picture only lasted a short time. That is one of the things that is unfortunately accurate in traditional history. The Indian Wars are well known for their bloodiness and violence. However, there was savagery on both sides. For example, contrary to common belief, Indians did not make it a habit to torture, rape and kill women and children. In fact, that was extremely rare. Instead, the women and children were assimilated into the community and cared for as their own. At some point they were either ransomed or released. There are several accounts of women who when released did not want to leave. They are referred to as "White Indians". But not all captured women shared the same opinions.

Two women who were taken captive were Mary Jemison & Mary Rowlandson. Despite having had very similar experiences, each came away with a different story to tell. Mary Jemison adapted to the Indian way of life and even married one. In contrast, Mary Rowlandson returned with sharp criticism and  harsh propaganda to spread. After reading their accounts, I reached the conclusion that any difficulties faced by Mrs. Rowlandson were brought about by her rebellious nature and defiant actions. Still, when one reads between the lines, it is fairly clear that the captured women who did not do well in captivity had come into the situation with a preconceived idea of what the "savages" were like and would not allow for any new ideas to enter in. However, realistically speaking, if they had been the savages she claimed they were, she would not have been released healthy, and none the worse for the experience.

Anyone interested in White Indians would enjoy the various accounts that are available and the resources provided on the "Links" page of this website.

Coming To America   Native Americans   Family Life   Economy