When I was married some forty to forty-five years ago, there was no
consideration as to the future conditions of wifehood and motherhood.
In business myself, after the death of my dear father, I married a
business man, widower with four children. I told him when I married I
would not come into the business; however, he gave me no rest until I
came back. I had to care for an invalid mother, that was why I longed
for a home again. I soon found out what a mistake I had made. I had
my children fast. One year and five months between, and one year and
seven months, and much about the same with five children. My husband
was exacting as regards his children, but careless of me. I had a very
happy childhood; my father was a good man, my mother a gentle creature.
I lost her, and then nervous debility set in through overstrain and
persecution. I lost a little girl from consumption of the bowels. I
was then a wreck. I began to recover for my children’s sake, but I
separated from my husband, and took my four children with me, and began
to make a living for myself. He provided 5s. a week for each child
whilst he remained in England. He went abroad, made money, left me to
struggle, and when he died, left me nothing; the money was willed to
each of his and my children. By that time there were only two of mine
left out of five, and four of his who received their full share. I have
had a troublesome life.
_In business; five children._