Mrs. Lacey

Mary Bayley was born in 1783 in Colchester, Virginia, to Samuel Bayley and his wife, whose name is not known. Mary Bayley married Elias Lacey, a prominent doctor who attended Stevens Thomson Mason during his final illness. Elias was at least thirteen years older than Mary. They had four children. When she died in 1845, her obituary described her as “the best of wives,” and “the main prop of a husband far advanced in years.” However, Mary’s life with her husband was marred by marital strife.

On 4 August 1817, Mary’s brother, William M. Bayley, filed a case on her behalf against Elias in chancery court. Mary sought a separation from her husband and payment of support. William stated that Mary had been suffering abuse and ill treatment at her husband’s hands for several years, until “it became too oppressive to be born.” Furthermore, even though Elias had considerable wealth, William claimed that he “with holds [his support] from her and her Four little children.”

Mary tried to conceal her husband’s abuse from her friends. However, neighbors William and Sarah Lewis witnessed it and testified on her behalf. They stated that Elias was “a most cruel Husband and Beats and ill treats his wife,” and that his treatment “is too outrageous for her to put up with.” Mary’s conduct, on the other hand, was “that of a mild submissive and unoffending Woman.”

On 12 August 1817, the court ruled in Mary’s favor and awarded her $200 per year in spousal support. It seems Elias meant to flee his responsibilities, because William made a deposition that same day that he had “reason to beleive and doth actually beleive that Elias Lacey is about to depart from the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Whether she was bullied, threatened, or cajoled is unknown, but Mary and Elias must have reached an understanding. On 1 April 1818, Mary filed an affidavit requesting dismissal of the suit.

Mary died, aged sixty-two, at Laceyville, Loudoun County, on 8 February 1845 after a sudden illness. Her obituary described her as popular, with fine social qualities and “all the accomplishments and intelligence of a true old times Virginia lady.” Elias wrote his will two months later and died before 11 August 1845.

By Kate Shuster