Escaping Matrimony: A Documentary History of Eloping Spouses in Colonial America

Escaping Matrimony is a documentary history of hundreds of husbands and wives who ran away from one another over the course of the eighteenth-century, using early American newspapers to voice and agency in a complex world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Escaping Matrimony is a captivating documentary that delves into the lives of hundreds of husbands and wives who chose to part ways throughout the eighteenth century. Within this collection of elopement advertisements, men and women boldly expressed their dissent against marriage, challenged the concept of coverture, and proudly proclaimed their independence and freedom. These individuals sought to undermine and intimidate their spouses by utilizing early American newspapers, which granted them both a voice and agency in a complex world that often sought to keep them unnoticed and silent.

The advertisements featured in Escaping Matrimony provide a window into the tumultuous world of the eighteenth century. They reveal the struggles and hardships faced by individuals who sought to escape the confines of traditional marriages. Many of the advertisements were placed by women, who sought to escape the oppressive and abusive relationships they were trapped in. They used the newspapers as a platform to announce their intentions to elope and seek refuge with sympathetic families or individuals who would support their cause.

On the other hand, some advertisements were placed by men who sought to escape the financial burden and responsibilities of marriage. They often advertised their willingness to marry any woman who was willing to provide them with a dowry or financial support. These men were often seeking to escape the social stigma associated with being unmarried and to pursue their own interests and ambitions.

Regardless of the motivations behind the advertisements, they all serve as a testament to the power of individual agency and the desire for freedom and independence. The individuals who placed these advertisements were not afraid to challenge the status quo and to fight for their rights and freedoms. They refused to be silenced by the societal norms and expectations that were imposed upon them and instead chose to take control of their own lives.

Escaping Matrimony is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the complex and often tumultuous relationship between marriage and individual freedom in the eighteenth century. It serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging societal norms and expectations and of the power of individuals to shape their own destinies. Through the stories of these husbands and wives, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices that were made in the pursuit of happiness and independence.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 157 x 237 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666910902