Includes bibliographical references (pages 109-114).
Contents
Mary Richardson & Elkanah Walker -- Eleanor Berry & Louis Dreibelbis -- Asa Mercer -- Matrimonial news -- Phoebe Harrington & William Silbaugh -- The forlorn bride -- Bethenia Owens-Adair & Legrand Hill -- The Benton brides -- A happy ride -- Rachel Bella Kahn & Abraham Calof -- Elinore Pruitt & Clyde Stewart -- Trouble on a bridal tour -- The red stocking snoozers -- Eliza Farnham -- Bridal couples -- Kathleen Forrestall -- The new plan.
Summary
Desperate to strike it rich during the Gold Rush, thousands of men traveled West to the emerging frontier, where they outnumbered women twelve to one. Only after they arrived did some of them realize how much they missed female companionship. Hearts West brings to life true stories of mail-order brides of the Gold Rush era. Some found soul mates; others found themselves in desperate situations. Complete with the actual hearts-and-hands personal advertisements that began some of the long-distance courtships, this book provides an up close look at the leap of faith these men and women were willing to take.
