Elodie Todd in the Age of "Secession, Freedom, and Rights"

Letter from Elodie Todd to fiancee Nathaniel Dawson, May 9, 1861.

"Ever since I can remember, I have been looked upon and called the 'old maid' of the family, and Mother seemed to think I was to be depended on to take care of her when all the rest of her handsomer daughters left her, and I really believe they all think I am committing a sin to give a thought to any other than the arrangements they have made for me.

"But as this is the age when Secession, Freedom, and Rights are asserted, I am claiming mine and do not doubt but I shall succeed in obtaining them as I have some one to help me in my efforts."

Her life had definitely taken a major change from old maid supporting her mother to wife and her own family.

No Old Maid for Her.  --Old Secesh