When I posted the question regarding early children within a marriage, I had no idea
that there would be such a a variety of ideas on this topic. I found all of your ideas
very interesting, and thank you for your interest and participation.
Given here, in summary, are some of the ideas presented:
Reasons why children were born within a couple of months after the marriage date:
a.. European custom - Proof that the mother would bear a live child.
b.. Distance from the route the circuit-riding minister was taking.
c.. Pregnancy may have been a way to "catch" a husband.
d.. Denial of the pregnancy... waiting until everyone is sure.
e.. Inaccuracy of the actual marriage date
f.. Pure & simple innocence - lack of knowledge of what made babies
g.. Viewed nothing improper about early pregnancy - merely a "fact of life".
a.. Producing off-spring - anytime- viewed as a healthy physical trait.
Once again... as is so often the case, there are a number of possibilites. Maybe that
is what keeps us all enjoying this hobby - the number of possibilites... all very
reasonable and possible.
Thanks again for the ideas........... I appreciate your input!
marge priser