My health during pregnancy was very good. I took no intoxicants, good,
simple food, and through adverse circumstances worked hard in my own
home.
I was married in 1887. My husband had just left the Army; he got work
as a porter in a bedding warehouse. This firm failed, and he and the
book-keeper joined forces and began in the bedding trade in a small
way, and we were married. I went every day except Saturday to the shop
to cut out and sew. My husband’s wages were £1 per week; we did our
own housework at night, and I baked and ironed on Saturday morning.
When my boy was born, twelve months after marriage, my husband’s wages
were 25s.; of course, I could earn nothing. In another twelve months
my second baby (a girl) was born. We removed to ----, where rents were
cheap, and I was a stranger. I took in plain sewing and washing, and
cut up my clothes for my babies. I had a good stock of clothes, I may
say.
About this time we were involved in a lawsuit which was quite
unnecessary, and our income was reduced to 19s. 6d. per week. I still
took what work I could get, minded a child whose mother worked in the
mill, etc. I had no assistance from my own family, as I was too proud
to let them know. This lasted three years, when we had a change for the
better. The cost of this lawsuit I mentioned was, to us, £55 12s. 4d. I
then had another daughter, and three years later another girl. I could
then obtain one dozen pounds of sugar for 1s. 9d., now it is 4s., and
this applies to many things. When my last baby was born my housekeeping
money was £2 10s.
The first six years of my married life was one perpetual struggle,
often wanting necessaries, but God’s hand has been over it all, and
I thank Him to-day for the faith and perseverance with which I was
enabled to go through this struggle.
Our circumstances are improved, and my three daughters are all
teachers--one certificated, and one college-trained, the youngest a
student teacher, entering College in September next. Two of my girls
are accomplished musicians, and can do anything menial or otherwise in
a home. I think if the mothers of to-day were not so idle it would be
better for them; also, if they would make their own food, and not buy
ready-made food, we should have a better class of children and healthy
mothers. I am fifty-three next month, do my own washing, baking, and
cleaning with a little help from my girls. My house has nine rooms
and three cellars. I still make time to do my secretarial duties, and
take a great interest therein. I was an extremely delicate girl, and
suffered from heart disease as a child, but my doctor says I have a
most indomitable will. Lest you should think I am of a boasting nature,
I beg to submit that God has been very merciful and kind to me.
_Wages £1 to over £2 10s.; four children._