Religion and Domestic Violence in Early New England: Memoirs of Abigail Abbott Bailey

Religion in North America

by Ann Taves (Editor), Abigail Abbot Bailey

"This is an amazing study, a memoir which provides insight intofamily abuse in 18th century America.... a significant volume which enhances ourknowledge of social and religious life in New England. It is also a movingcontribution to the literature of spirituality." -- Review andExpositor

"Students of American culture are indebted to AnnTaves for editing this fascinating and revealing document and for providing it withfull annotation and an illuminating introduction." -- American StudiesInternational

"This is above all an eminently teachable text, which raises important issues in the history of religion, women, and the family andabout the place of violence in American life." -- New EnglandQuarterly

..". stimulating, enlightening, and provocative..." -- Journal of Ecumenical Studies

Abigail Abbot Bailey wasa devout 18th-century Congregationalist woman whose husband abused her, committedadultery with their female servants, and practiced incest with one of theirdaughters. This new, fully annotated edition of her memoirs, featuring a detailedintroduction, offers a thoughtful analysis of the role of religion amidst the trialsof the author's everyday life.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Eliza]

First of all, obvious CW for domestic violence and sexual assault.

I picked up this book exclusively because I ran across Abigail Abbott Bailey during genealogical research (a common occurrence it seems, since she had 17 children). The dynamics of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and manipulative relationships felt eerily modern. Apparently they haven’t changed much since the 1700s.

Originally written for her Congregationalist church, Abigail’s Calvinist faith features heavily (even oppressively) throughout her memoir. She uses religion as a shield to endure her husband’s atrocities (sometimes at the expense of her children and other women), an anchor to steady her during her kidnapping, and a deep source of strength as she journeys 200+ miles to return to her family. Her beliefs keep her submissive in a nearly deadly relationship, but also cement her conviction to obtain a hard fought divorce.

While it’s not a particularly fun read, it was incredible to read the story of a woman in this era told on her own terms.

I read the free Archive.org version, and not the one edited by Anne Taves (the only version present on Goodreads). No rating because it’s literally a historical document, and someone’s life story— it feels too weird to rate it.

[Katie Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Abbott Bailey’s memoirs share the journey of a woman as she divorces her abusive husband in New England in 1793 for adultery, abandonment, and cruelty. There is a certain complexity in reading the words of someone published posthumously and edited by a minister, yet it provides a fascinating glimpse into the 18th century. Professor Ann Taves provides analysis of this story in an extended foreword noting the social, religious, legal, and inter-personal aspects. Current domestic violence best practice and theory has moved beyond some of the observations in this book, but it is still relevant to someone wishing to understand the American experiment and how it is intertwined with domestic violence.

[Alex Gergely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful. One of the first memoirs about abuse, incest, & manipulation to come out of early America. Abigail Bailey has a really sad but powerful story that thankfully has somewhat of a happy ending.

[Gloria Upchurch]

I got this book to read Abigail's diary and for the genealogical information it holds. Abigail is my fourth cousin four times removed. Her story of faith in Jehovah and her reliance upon him in all things is one for the ages. She doesn't realize that God doesn't test us with evil but her faith in him and her reliance on his word at all times is something we can all learn from. Asa Bailey stopped at nothing in trying to destroy her faith but she triumphs over everything he does through prayerful reliance on God and the Bible. An amazing story of how love for our Grand Creator can take us through an trial Satan or man may bring upon us.

[Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could do without the author's commentary in her introduction but I suppose it was necessary to set the stage. But, when you get to Abigail Bailey's diary it is a complete different story. Mrs. Bailey's diary is a great read and I strongly recommend it for any Christian woman who has had to endure an abusive, low-life husband and felt helpless. Mrs. Bailey's strength comes from her faith in God and it is quite an impressive faith. Her trials and struggles will break the heart of even the coldest person but her triumph is very inspiring. I recommend this book heartily.

[Rebecca Dunbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a cheery read but interesting and useful in any study of colonial New England