Her Act and Deed: Women's Lives in a Rural Southern County, 1837-1873

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Focusing on the public records of a Texas county, the book reveals the active roles of women in the nineteenth century, challenging the notion of their invisibility. Angela Boswell examines how Southern women's lives intertwined with societal structures during the frontier, antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction eras. By analyzing diverse records, she highlights the experiences of women across class and race, showcasing a complex patriarchy influenced by men in both public and domestic spheres. This work offers an inclusive perspective on historical women's contributions.