Loss of Herself as an Individual

Until 1868, when a woman married she lost all her legal rights and even the distinction of being an individual. She became one with her husband and so was subject to what he would allow. [Some places like Virginia allowed widows some rights of property.] This is probably why, until recent years, women were only known by their husband's name and not their own. What happened in 1868? The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. More tomorrow. PEACE

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awhhtml/awlaw3/property.html

When I became a minister's wife in 1964, everyone would only call me Mrs. and would not use my own name. I had to know someone for a long time before they would use my given name. For years in womens groups that I joined, they only used Mrs. and their husband's names. As I observed these women, some could find who they were as people, and others did not feel permission to dare to be an individual. The worst judgement usually came from other women.