John Wayne trailblazed the way by Rhonda Lee Carver

 Around 1725, the word cowboy appeared in English, but it didn't have the meaning as we know it today. The profession wasn't romanticized until much later, and we have the great John Wayne to thank for bringing a new definition to the cowboy lifestyle. Many attribute the movie Stagecoach to be the most crucial turning point. Wayne made "cowboys" a tabletop phenomenon. Way before Yellowstone became a hit, Wayne was a trailblazer in his own right. Even to this day, he stands as the most clearly defined cowboy around.

 

Do you have a favorite modern-day cowboy?

I've been working on the next book in my Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose series. Book 4 is releasing December 10th. The patriarch Sam Rose is much like John Wayne. Rough, tough, skilled, and fair.

 Here is a UNEDITED snippet.

Go back, Justice.

This is dangerous.

But she’d never been a very good listener.

She walked through the tall reeds that slapped against her boots, and the wind caressed her bare shoulders. The second Jinx saw her, his eyes widened slightly. Of course he’d be caught off guard. Not a single time had she approached him in all the months he’d worked at the ranch. She probably said two words to him the entire time. And now here she was, heading straight for him in the middle of a pasture.

He didn’t remove his gaze from her as she approached. Bits and pieces of hay were stuck in his hair and on his body. The waistband of his jeans settled low on his lean hips.

Seconds passed as their gazes locked.

Finally, she asked, “Why aren’t you out with the crew?”

She saw his throat bob as if his words were lost, but he found them. “I didn’t feel up to a night at Mav’s.”

She scanned the land to the front door of the farmhouse. Everything was quiet.

She met his gaze again. The day's anger and frustration had formed a crescendo inside her. And she did something she might regret later, but for now, she wanted to…

“There’s something between us,” she said.

He blinked. “I don’t think I’m following.”

“Are you attracted to me?” She held her chin steady.

One corner of his mouth lifted. “Ma’am—”

“Justice, please.”

“Okay. Justice, I don’t think…” his words trailed off with a clearing of his throat. “Yes, I am.”

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Calamity Jane, A Liberated Woman

 

 Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Cannary around 1852 in Missouri, is one of the most iconic figures of the American West. Known for her adventurous spirit and larger-than-life personality, she became a folk hero, often celebrated for her sharpshooting skills and her role in the rough-and-tumble world of frontier life. Jane's childhood was marked by hardship; she lost her mother at a young age and took on various jobs to support her family. This early experience of struggle and resilience shaped her into the fearless woman she would later become.

 Throughout her life, Calamity Jane embodied the rugged, independent spirit of the West. She worked as a scout for the U.S. Army, a sharpshooter, and even took on roles in traveling Wild West shows. Jane was known for her bold exploits, often dressing in men's clothing and carrying firearms. Her reputation as a frontierswoman was further cemented by her colorful stories, many of which blurred the line between fact and fiction. Her adventures included a legendary friendship with Wild Bill Hickok, a well-known lawman and gunfighter, which added to her mystique and popularity.

Jane's life was not without its struggles. Despite her tough exterior, she faced significant personal challenges, including bouts of poverty and struggles with alcoholism. Her tumultuous relationships and her fierce independence often put her at odds with societal norms of the time, especially concerning women's roles. Nevertheless, she was a complex character who defied the traditional expectations placed upon women in the 19th century, earning her a place in American folklore as a symbol of female empowerment.

Calamity Jane's legacy endures today, not just as a legendary figure of the Wild West, but as an early representation of women who broke boundaries and carved out their own paths. Her life has inspired numerous books, films, and television shows, ensuring that her story remains a vibrant part of American culture. As a pioneer who challenged gender norms and embraced the freedom of the frontier, Calamity Jane continues to fascinate and inspire those who hear her tale. 

 

Women In Power

                 Susanna Salter

Madame Mayor

Women in politics have traveled a rocky road, taking one step forward and three steps back. However, they never quit and never allowed the flame of public service to completely die.

Back in 1860 a child was born in Ohio who would become the nation's first mayor. Susanna Madore Salter lived in Kansas and when women gained the right to vote, she not only voted, she ran for mayor and won. Madame Mayor of Argonia, Kansas. She was married to Lewis Salter and she met him while attending Kansas State Agricultural College. She joined the Women's Christian Temperance Union, showing an interest in politics early.

Several men got together and thought it would be hilarious to put a woman on the mayoral ballot. Tongue-in-cheek, they nominated her on the Prohibition Party ticket. They weren't laughing when she received two-thirds of the votes. Susan was elected April 4, 1887 at the age of 27. Kansas women had won the right to vote only a few weeks before the election and they made sure their voice was heard.

As it happens, Susan knew quite a bit about the political life. Her father had been the town's first mayor and her father-in-law was a former Kansas lieutenant governor.

Although Susan did an admiral job as mayor, she didn't run for reelection. A few years later, she and her family moved to Oklahoma, but she had already secured her place in history.

Also making historic moves were six women who comprised the first all-woman town government. Again, Kansas was the place. Oskaloosa to be exact in the year 1888. In 1887, voters in Syracuse had placed women in all five council seats but had elected a man as mayor. Oskaloosa bested that. Mayor Mary D. Lowman presided over councilwomen Carrie Johnson, Sadie Balsley, Hanna Morse, Emma Hamilton, and Mittie Golden.

Victoria Woodhull was the first female to run for president in 1872. She was nominated by the Equal Rights Party and supported women's suffrage and equal rights. She was also an advocate of "free love," believing that people should have the right to marry, divorce, or have children without government approval or interference. She was soundly defeated.

In 1873 Susan B. Anthony went on trial for voting, for which she was jailed. She was ordered to pay a $100 fine for casting a vote after being denied a trial by jury. She never paid it and she didn't live long enough to witness women earning the right to vote.  Because married women couldn't own property -- this was allowed only by widows and unmarried women -- Susan B. Anthony and several other suffragettes never married.

Before these milestones, women made some progress only to be stymied time and again. Because they weren't allowed to own property, they were denied their right to vote. Then New Jersey stepped up and said women could vote, but in 1807 that was taken away from them. In 1838 women who were the heads of their households in Kentucky were allowed to vote in certain categories, such as school

taxes.

The battle to vote continued into the 1900s. In 1920 women were finally successful and a constitutional amendment sealed the deal. Women kept battling for equality in other facets of their lives. In 1974 unmarried women were finally allowed to have credit cards. In 1978 women could not be denied employment because they were pregnant. In the 1970s and 1980s laws were passed to allow women to hold certain jobs and receive equal pay. However, women still earn less money than men on average.

So, the fight continues, although "we've come a long way, baby." Just not long enough. It's good to look back, though, and see the progress we've made and to recognize the women who refused to back down, who refused to accept less. History is full of these beautifully stubborn women with backbones of steel. They knew what we have come to accept -- when it comes to equality, a woman's work is never done.

A Thank You to Those Who Served

 Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

November is a month when I ponder and consider all the reasons I am thankful for. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite Holiday. November also has Veteran's Day. While we usually remember our servicemen and women, I want to take the time to honor all those who have served over the years, especially women, in service to their country and causes.

Image (C) Doris McCraw

From Deborah Sampson and Sybil Luddington in the Revolutionary War, Dr. Mary Walker in the Civil War, and Dr. Rose Kidd Beere in the Spanish-American War to those who served as nurses, doctors, and combatants in recent conflicts.

Women have always served their countries, not just in the United States. From the Viking Warrior to the women warriors of the Indigenous People, we honor their commitment.

Esther Walker - Veteran of the Civil War
Image (C) Doris McCraw

So, as we prepare to end the year, take some time to thank those who have served, both men and women and remember their sacrifice. We are their beneficiaries.

Until Nest Time

Doris McCraw

My Thanksgiving Blessings by Jan Scarbrough

Needing to come up with this month’s blog, I looked through my files and found a blog from ten years ago. My life has changed so much, but I remain thankful for the same things.

 

2014: It’s popular to give thanks this time of year. I’m thankful for the basics—God, country, and my health. I’m especially happy for family—a husband who’s put up with me for almost fifteen married years. I give thanks for two wonderful children and two wonderful stepchildren, who have given us a total of NINE grandchildren, all boys except for one beautiful princess.

 

2024: My health has gone through its ups and downs over the years. I’ve survived two cancer treatments and am in remission. I’ve been hospitalized for other ailments and am now doing fine. Sadly, my husband of twenty-four years died in June. But I give thanks for Bill, his life, and his love. He’s with God now. And as for grandchildren: TEN, all boys except for one beautiful princess who is a freshman in college.

 

Ten years ago, I gave thanks for my pets, now two dogs and two cats, all rescues. Have you ever had a coonhound tree a raccoon in your back yard? I’m also thankful I can still ride beautiful American Saddlebred horses. My main ride is a mare named Maggie. I take a lesson on her once a week.

 

Being able to write romance novels makes me thankful. Plus, I’m grateful for all my writing buddies! They keep me grounded and connected. And as I said in 2014, I’m thankful for my readers—those who spend money on my books and/or review my books and sign up for my newsletter (www.janscarbrough.com).

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm taking a break from blogging this month, but I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. 

Sarah Josepha Hale & the Thanksgiving Holiday (Repost from 2020) ~ Julie Lence

courtesy NNDB 

 Sarah Josepha Buell was born October 24, 1788 in Newport, New Hampshire to parents who believed in education for males and females. Her growing up years she received an extensive education and married lawyer, David Hale. The couple had 5 children, but sadly, David died during their 9^th year of marriage, leaving Sarah to raise their children. To earn an income, Sarah began writing poetry, and penned the famous, Mary Had a Little Lamb. She teamed with Reverend John Laurie Blake and helped establish American Ladies Magazine, taking on the position of editor. She moved to Boston and remained there until 1837, often using the magazine to promote women’s issues such as education, child rearing, and reinforcing a woman’s domestic role. She didn’t support the suffragist movement or women entering politics because she believed both would limit a woman’s influence in the home, that women shaped the morals of society and encouraged them to write morally uplifting novels.

 

courtesy NHPR.org

Louis A. Godey bought out America Ladies Magazine in 1837 and changed the name to Godey’s Ladies Book. He offered Sarah the editor position. She accepted and moved to Philadelphia, where she remained editor for 40 years. During that time, she championed civil rights, secured funds to preserve George Washington’s home and to construct the Bunker Hill Monument, both of which are still open today, and helped found Vassar College for women.   

 

courtesy Wikipedia

Throughout her childhood, Sarah celebrated Thanksgiving. She published Northwood: A Tale of New England in 1827, which included a chapter on the Thanksgiving celebration. Many areas in the northeast part of the country celebrated Thanksgiving, but at the time she was editor for Godey’s, Thanksgiving was not a federal holiday. Hoping to rectify that, she began lobbying state and federal officials to pass legislation to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, going so far as to set the holiday on the last Thursday in November. Her requests were mostly ignored, nor was she the first to suggest such a day of thanks. George Washington called for a national day of thanks after the Revolutionary war, and both John Adams and James Madison issued their own proclamations. Nothing was ever done until the Civil War.

 

courtesy wsj.com

Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, issued Thanksgiving Day proclamations in 1861 and 1862. Abraham Lincoln called for a day of thanks in April 1862 and the summer of 1863s, and Sarah continued to lobby for a national holiday by sending letters in September to Lincoln and William Seward, who was Secretary of State. She firmly believed a national holiday might ease the tensions between the north and the south and finally realized her hard efforts when, one week after receiving her letter, Seward drafted Lincoln’s official proclamation making the last Thursday in November an official day of Thanksgiving. 

 

A true pioneer for women, Sarah retired from Godey’s 1877. She died two years later in her Philadelphia home at the age of 92. She’s buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery and a blue historical marker resides at her home on Spruce Street.