Eliza Moore nee Chinn McHatton-Ripley (1832- 1912) was born in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1852 she married James Alexander McHatten and they moved to Arlington Plantation, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Then they travelled through Texas into Mexico. There, the couple ran a sugar plantation and joined the highest social circles. After James' death, Eliza returned to the United States. In 1873 she married Dwight Ripley and lived in the North. In her book From Flag to Flag: A Woman's Adventures and Experiences in the South (1888), she describes her life in Mexico and Cuba. One day before her death, she agreed to publish her book, Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of my Girlhood (1912).
The legal crusade of Myra Clark Gaines (1804?--1885) has all the trappings of classic melodrama -- a lost heir, a missing will, an illicit relationship, a questionable marriage, a bigamous husband, and a murder. For a half century the daughter of New Orleans millionaire Daniel Clark struggled to justify her claim to his enormous fortune in a case that captivated the nineteenth-century public. Elizabeth Urban Alexander taps voluminous court records and letters to unravel the twists and turns of Gaines's litigation and reveal the truth behind the mysterious saga of this notorious woman. Myra, the daughter of real estate heir Clark and Zulime Carrière, a beautiful young Frenchwoman, was raised by friends of Clark and kept ignorant of her real parentage until 1832, when she discovered her true lineage in letters among her foster father's papers. She thereupon returned to Louisiana with tales of a lost will and a secret marriage between Clark and Carrière and claimed to be Clark's missing heir. Was Myra the legitimate daughter of the prominent merchant or the "fruit of an adulterous union?" The courts would decide. The Great Gaines Case wound its tortuous path through the United States legal system from 1834 until 1891. It was considered by the U.S. Supreme Court seventeen times and pursued even after Gaines's death by lawyers trying to recoup fees. By courageously bringing her case to the courtroom and doggedly keeping it there, Alexander asserts, Gaines helped instigate a new type of family law that provided special protection of women, children, and marriages. Though Gaines never recovered more than a tiny fraction of the rumored millions, this riveting chronicle of her struggle for legitimacy and legacy as told by Elizabeth Urban Alexander is a gold mine for anyone interested in legal history, women's studies, or a good yarn superbly spun.
Excerpt from Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of My Girlhood Far more vivid than the twilight of the days in which I dwell, there rises before my inner eye the vision, aglow in Southern sunshine, of the days that are gone, never to return, but which formed the early chapters of a life that has been lived, that can never be lived again. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
As the title suggests, this is a memoir of antebellum days in New Orleans, although the author does recall incidences after the war of her days in Cuba. This is purely a memoir, not a commentary for social justice. It is profitable reading for anyone who enjoys a picture of life in the 19th century. Mrs. Ripley goes into great detail about dress, making this a good primary source for those who participate in living history events. Although this book is widely available and have been reprinted quite a few times; this edition is unique in that it has detailed annotations which make understanding of things of which the author writes much easier and more interesting. These do not obtrude with the flow of the reading of the original wording, which has been left intact.
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912 edition. Excerpt: ... XXIX MARY ANN AND MARTHA ANN THE story of Mary Ann and Martha Ann and the red bonnet has been so often retold to my children and grandchildren that every detail has been retained, and in its completeness as I give it here, it is a bit of authentic family history "dressed up" as its hearers love it. "What kin we do, Ma'y Ann? I dun hear Miss Liza talkin' 'bout it agin, and 'lowin' it got to be found." The two little negroes sat under a widespreading pecan tree that scattered its shade and its late autumn nuts over the grassy lawn of a spacious Southern mansion. They crouched closely together, heads touching, voices whispering and faces turned to the river road, their scanty linsey skirts drawn tightly over little black legs, so that no searching eye from the broad veranda could spy them. Mary Ann looked anxiously around, and, drawing her knotty, kinky head closer still to Martha's softer locks, whispered: "Marm Charlotte gwine to clean out de L, and you know she'll go in dat room fust thing." Marthy sprang back with dilated eyes. "Ma'y Ann, it carnt stay dar; it's gotten to cum outen dar, oh Lordy! What did you put it dar in the fust place fur?" "I didn't put it dar." Ma'y Ann's eyes flashed. "You fotch it dar your own self, unner your apern; you sed it was yourn and Miss Ellen giv it to you." Marthy sprang to her feet. "Miss Ellen never giv me nothin' in her whole life." She shook her clenched fist in Ma'y Ann's face, then burst into tears. The stolen conference, like many another that had preceded it, was opened in a spirit of mutual conciliation, but as the interview progressed and interest waxed, the poor little negroes became fierce in their alarm, fast losing sight of the turpitude of the deed committed in common in the...
"Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of My Girlhood" by Eliza Ripley is a memoir that provides a vivid portrayal of life in New Orleans during the 19th century. Eliza Ripley, a prominent figure in New Orleans society, recounts her experiences and observations of the city's social life, customs, and culture. The book offers a personal and historical perspective on New Orleans, highlighting the unique aspects of its society, from its distinctive traditions to its influential social circles. Ripley's recollections provide valuable insights into the everyday lives of people in Old New Orleans, including the city's charm, elegance, and social dynamics. "Social Life in Old New Orleans" is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of New Orleans and the cultural heritage of the region, offering a firsthand account of its social milieu and historical context.
Step Back in Time and Experience the Charms of Old New Orleans with Eliza Ripley's Memoir Transport yourself to the enchanting world of old New Orleans with 'Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of My Girlhood' by Eliza Ripley. Through the vivid recollections of her girlhood, Ripley offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era filled with romance, intrigue, and Southern charm. Experience the Splendor of Antebellum New Orleans 'Social Life in Old New Orleans' invites readers to step back in time to the antebellum South, where the streets of New Orleans teemed with life, culture, and opulence. Through Ripley's evocative prose, you'll wander through the grand ballrooms of the French Quarter, stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River, and mingle with the city's elite in their stately mansions. From elaborate social gatherings to intimate family moments, Ripley captures the essence of life in old New Orleans with charm and nostalgia. Whether attending lavish cotillions, sampling Creole cuisine, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family on a lazy afternoon, each page is filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of a bygone era. Meet the Colorful Characters of Old New Orleans At the heart of 'Social Life in Old New Orleans' are its colorful characters—aristocrats and artists, debutantes and dandies, slaves and socialites—all brought to life with warmth and affection by Ripley's pen. From her own family members to the colorful personalities she encountered in New Orleans society, Ripley's memoir is populated with a cast of unforgettable characters who will capture your imagination and your heart. Through their stories and interactions, Ripley paints a rich tapestry of antebellum New Orleans, highlighting the complexities of race, class, and culture in the pre-Civil War South. As you follow the ups and downs of their lives, you'll find yourself drawn into a world of passion, intrigue, and drama that feels as vibrant and alive today as it did over a century ago. Why 'Social Life in Old New Orleans' Is a Timeless Classic: Historical Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of antebellum New Orleans and Southern culture through Eliza Ripley's firsthand accounts and vivid descriptions. Captivating Narratives: Lose yourself in the captivating stories and anecdotes of old New Orleans society, brought to life with warmth, humor, and nostalgia. Cultural Significance: Explore the social customs, traditions, and values of a bygone era, and discover how they continue to shape the fabric of New Orleans society today. Personal Reflection: Experience the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges of Eliza Ripley's girlhood through her intimate and heartfelt recollections.Don't miss your chance to experience the splendor and romance of old New Orleans with 'Social Life in Old New Orleans: Being Recollections of My Girlhood' by Eliza Ripley. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of memoirs, or simply curious about life in the antebellum South, this timeless classic is sure to captivate and enchant readers of all ages.
