| The Library of Virginia >> Exhibitions >> Working Out Her Destiny | |
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Where are the Women: Examples from the LVA Collections Property Rights |
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Introduction Where are the Women: |
Virginia’s property law permitted women to veto land transfers arranged by their husbands that involved their inheritance and dower rights. In her letter, Nancy Polk appealed to Governor Joseph Johnson to clarify her rights to land her husband, Daniel, was selling but that she believed was part of her inheritance from her father, William Armstrong. The Polks, married 11 February 1831, had separated, and Daniel was threatening to sell or rent fifty-nine acres, including a house in which Nancy and their five children lived. Governor Johnson never answered Nancy Polk’s letter. She died intestate in August 1858 and Daniel sold the land to his oldest daughter, Isabella. |