I've been lurking on this listserv a while but it occurred to me that I
might use this resource to gain some insight into the above.

My great, great, grandmother, Sarah Harshbargar Lightfoot (1839-1912)
supported her family, at least in part, through the practice of midwifery
in New Market, VA. She first claimed "midwife" as her occupation on the
census of 1900. However, there is no reason to suspect that she was not
practicing as a midwife prior to that date. In fact, an excerpt from Mattie
Bushong Good's diary indicates that "Aunt Sarah" was not available when she
went into labor and that her mother Mary helped her " as well as Aunt Sarah
or anyone else" when she gave birth on Jan. 27, 1900.

The fact that she uses the honorific "Aunt" may indicate that Sarah
presided over Mattie's own birth in 1877. The families were neighbors, and
even a quick look through the diary reveals weekly, if not daily,
interactions between the Lightfoot and Bushong families over the years.

My question has to do with any state or local engagement or oversight of
the work of midwives in Shenandoah County, prior to licensure. For example,
when called to deliver babies of the very poor, did midwives received
recompense from the state or local government? If such records exist, would
they be among those left by the Overseers of the Poor or some such
entity?.Where would they be located now?

Ironically, as both an undergrad and a grad student I did research on 19th
century midwives. At that time, I wasn't aware of Sarah's profession, which
her daughter noted on Sarah's death certificate. However, it does mean I am
familiar with the historical literature, including the efforts of
physicians to take over the realm of birth--something many women may have
welcomed. Given the plenitude of doctors in New Market before and after the
Civil War--e.g. the famous Henkels, and the less renown Rices, I'm sure
Mattie could have had a doctor. While Mattie's birthing mother preference
is interesting, I would like to know if midwives and doctors who aided the
poor might have left some trace on the public record.

Thank you in advance for any help,

Susan Hines

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