Just as I Thought....

[BettyO]

Yes, Roger - you are correct! A woman (ANY age!) would not visit a young gentleman's bedroom in the 19th Century unless she was either A) his mother or B) his sister..... just wasn't considered "proper."


Needless to say, I was somewhat shocked when I saw Mary Branson's birth dated listed as 1828. She would NOT be lying about her age at her confirmation/baptism when she was 14 years old in 1842. Lew wasn't even born yet - So....all I can say is that she must have been desperate for a suitor - even a 20 year old kid!

She must have still been nice looking and yes, there were lovely women in the Victorian era who never had a touch of makeup application or other "aids" to assist their looks, who were stunners - Lew's own mother comes to mind, along with Teresa Sickles, Kate Chase, Vinnie Ream, etc. One wonders just how lovely they'd look today WITH makeup! Next on the agenda is to find a photo of the Branson ladies. I've found a drawing of a gentlemen who MAY be Joseph Branson, as well as a photo of a Margaret Branson who may be Maggie, but without definite verification, I do NOT want to post or publish them.... I do have a photograph of Mrs. Branson's sister in old age and yes, there are traces of beauty there. Her son; Mrs. Branson's nephew, was in the brewing business and was also blond and handsome. They were a fair haired blond family, I think....