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"I had rather folks keep single.”
Elizabeth was born in Virginia on May 28, 1814 while the family was visiting relatives. She proved to be a high-spirited and intelligent woman who shared a fine education with her sisters and brothers. When her father Thomas died in 1827, she was just 13 years old and in boarding school.
Charles Pomeroy was an educated man who charmed Elizabeth with poetic love letters and they were married at Adena in 1835. For some time they lived in Cincinnati and then moved to Meigs County where Charles’ family owned coal and salt works. There were numerous Pomeroy family members who shared in the business and not enough profits for everyone to prosper. Charles and Elizabeth were poor. In 1848, Elizabeth wrote her mother Eleanor asking for $50. Even so, Elizabeth tried to improve the cultural conditions of the community by forming a literary club and promoting an appreciation for the arts.
Elizabeth represented the difficulties of women in the 19th century who were restricted by childbirth and poverty. Her comment, “I had rather folks keep single,” spoke to those problems. Elizabeth gave birth to 11 children over a period of 17 years. On November 7, 1852 Elizabeth died at the age of 38 only seven days after the birth of her last child. |
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Adena Mansion and Gardens
Thomas Worthington & Family
Tecumseh
The Old Northwest Territory
Ohio Statehood
Great Seal of the State of Ohio
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