[Bubba_Leroy]

My grandfather was born in 1880. My grandmother (my grandfather’s second wife) was born in 1896. That was not at all uncommon before the turn of the last century. Many first and second wives died during childbirth.

[I-ambush]

“Thirteen, fourteen, she’s in her prime
Fifteen, sixteen she still has time
Sixteen, seventeen her time is done
Nineteen, twenty-Pa needs a shotgun”
—Grannie from Beverly Hillbillies

[JesusIsLord]

My grandfather was born in 1880. My grandmother (my grandfather’s second wife) was born in 1896. That was not at all uncommon before the turn of the last century.

You're right. My maternal grandparents were 10 years apart. Grandma was 15 when she married Grandpa in the old country. They had 4 kids, one died as a toddler, which was not uncommon during the early 20th century. Unlike too many of today's generation - my grandparents focus was faith, family & work.

[Wuli]

In 1908 my maternal grandmother was 16 when she married my maternal grandfather who was then 23. They were both from large farm families in rural southern Illinois. I am sure no one among their families, friends and relatives thought their age difference was strange. And, by the way, there was no divorces in their families then or after that time.

It is terribly wrong and unjust for Melissa Gilbert to pass judgement on the ages of marriages in the past, when there is so much wrong with so many marriages today, compared to back then, which suggests age at marriage was not the problem Gilbert thinks it was. Young people were actually more mature at 16 than are most teens today.

[Georgia Girl 2]

My grandmother was 15 and my grandfather was 35 when they got married. He was her 8th grade school teacher. I told my Mom once that today Grandpa would probably be up on charges.

She said it was a different time and that my grandfather asked permission to court her and her father agreed. Apparently it was not that uncommon back then. They were happily married until she passed away.

[cpdiii]

My grandfather was born in 1880. My grandmother (my grandfather’s second wife) was born in 1896. That was not at all uncommon before the turn of the last century. Many first and second wives died during childbirth.

You are precisely correct. In addition a young woman often married and older man that was established and financially stable. Often, these men were widows. It would give the younger woman financial stability and the ability to raise her and her husbands second family in security. It was all perfectly logical and good. It worked. In addition the older man had a care taker for himself in elder age. It worked.