The stereotypical image of a an American slave owner is an old white man with a big plantation. Was there any gender diversity that belies this image? Old widows? Young Widows? Middle aged spinster captains of agriculture? In a twisted perverse way that could be seen as a kind of feminist empowerment.
Could women own and acquire slaves in their own right, independent of their husband or father? Would a female slave owner face different societal expectations than a male one? Would she be harsher/gentler when disciplining her slaves?
I believe Martha Washington inherited a her father's slaves, which promptly passed into George Washington's ownership when they got married, and then were willed to her again when he died. Did they have any marital problems from disagreements on how to manage 'her' business assets? How common were scenarios like those of Martha Washington?
There was an infamous female slave owner ( and New Orleans serial killer) by the name of Marie LaLaurie. LaLaurie was born into a wealthy family on the rise in the New Orleans' social scene, and after two marriages ending in tragic deaths became quite wealthy in her own right.
She bought land near the French Quarter and built a mansion in her own name, and then privately purchased a number of slaves over the years. In April 1834, a fire (allegedly set by an enslaved cook attempting suicide) resulted in firemen and police entering the home to fight the flames and evacuate residents. As the fires spread the men were blocked from areas of the house locked doors. Suspecting that slaves might still be inside, they asked LaLaurie for the keys, which she vehemently refused. The responders then decided to break down the doors and continue their sweep.
Upon entering one of the apartments, the most appalling spectacle met their eyes. Seven slaves more or less horribly mutilated were seen suspended by the neck, with their limbs apparently stretched and torn from one extremity to the other.
.... These slaves were the property of the demon, in the shape of a woman whom we mentioned in the beginning of this article. They had been confined by her for several months in the situation from which they had thus providentially been rescued...
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