B. May 8, 1778 in York County, Pennsylvania D. May 24, 1852 in Shepherdstown, Virginia
B. August 29, 1781 in Virginia D. May 28, 1867 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Conrad and Elizabeth married sometime before 1804 [official date unknown]
Over the course of their marriage, Elizabeth and Conrad had Seven children
John C. Shindler
B. August 24, 1804 in Virginia D. January 27, 1883 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Eliza Jane Shindler
B. January 23, 1807 in Shepherdstown, Virginia D. February 9, 1889 in Sharpsburg, Maryland
Nancy Shindler
B. January 20, 1829 in Virginia D. Feburary 26, 1831 in Shepherdstown, Virginia
Mary Elizabeth Shindler
B. 1810 in Virginia D. January 3, 1891
George Washington Shindler
B. May 18, 1812 in Shepherdstown, Virginia D. November 4, 1869 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Reverend Robert Doyne Shindler
B. 1814 in Shepherdstown, Virginia D. 1874 in Nacogdoches, Texas
Joseph T Shindler
B. May 1, 1826 in Shepherdstown, Virginia D. October 19, 1859 in Mississippi
The Importance of Victorian Families
The Family was immensely important during the Victorian Era (1837-1901). This was, especially for the South, where the Shindlers lived, a highly patriarchal world, where men dominated much of daily life. As a result, then, women were subservient to their husbands and had little influence in either the public or private spheres. BUT that is not to say women were suffering at every turn. Although women were unable to work for themselves and earn a wage other than pocket change, Companionate marriages were both popular and normal; that is, men and women chose their partners based on mutual love and affection (or at least a mutual understanding) rather than suffering though arranged marriages. Women, then, enjoyed the fruits of their husband's labor. Since unmarried women remained in their parents' home until marriage, familial bonds were not quickly broken up, and lasted lifetimes. In a rapidly changing world, the family remained a solid foundation for members to return to for comfort and security. Southern women especially were encouraged to marry and have large families. Though wealthier families did not need numerous children for labor, a large family could marry into other large families and increase the familial support network that many women drew upon. In an age before social media and instantaneous connection to other human beings, familial support networks are what women, and men, relied on.
Power of Music
by James Fuller Queen
courtesy of Library of Congress
Speculations on the Shindler Family
The Shindler family lived over 150 years ago. It is safe to say no one today was alive then to witness daily life in the Shindler household. But, based on the few remaining clues we have today, we can make some educated guesses into what their life would have been like. Conrad Shindler was a coppersmith by trade, but he also owned land; two farms outside town. It is likely he hired hands to work the fields during harvest and planting seasons, but we do not know for sure. His coppersmithing work was highly lucrative, and, as evidenced by the inventory list, he was able to provide well for his family. We can comfortably assume neither Elizabeth nor her daughters had to work to bring in extra income. Conrad also bought the plot of land they lived on outright. That means he owned three separate land plots, not including the separate place his workshop may have been held. Land was an investment. Owning three separate plots means one person has significant wealth.