Reading Guide Questions for "I Suppose It Is Just in the Edge of the Evening Where You Are" - from Peavy and Smith's Women in Waiting in the Westward Movement, pp. 43-88.

This is the story of Abiah Warren Hiller, Jaffrey, NH, native, who became one of the "Westering Widows" when her husband left her and his family behind in McDonough, New York, for Humboldt County, California, in his quest for gold, in 1847. He did not return to his family until Christmas morning, 1852.

1)Describe the interests of Abiah Warren, the child, who grew up in Jaffrey, NH.

2) In addition to furthering her formal education, what other interests did Abiah pursue as a young woman?

3) What qualities made Abiah an outstanding teacher?

4) Briefly describe the relationship of Abiah Warren and William Hiller. What event determined that the two would marry?

5) What preparations was Abiah directed to take as the family moved to Richmond, Virginia?

7) What difficulties did Abiah encounter during the trip to Richmond?

8) What California opportunities made William decide to leave Virginia and head West?

9) Why did William side with the Indians during the 1852 uprising in northern California?

10) In your own words, describe the courtship and wedding which William witnessed in Union Town.

11) Describe at least three major hardships encountered by Abiah in McDonough while her husband was in California.

a.

b.

c.

12) In lieu of finding gold, how did William earn the money which he occasionally sent home?

13) According to William's travel diary of 1852, what was the value of the various bags of gold hidden amongst his gear and carried home?

14) On his way home, William visits a woman famous in American history. Who was she? What message did he take to her? What was her response? What characteristics did this woman share with Abiah Warren Hiller?

15) Why was William's Christmas morning homecoming less joyous than it might have been?

16) Once William's health returned, how did he turn his California earnings into further profits?

17) Around 1855, what new interest was pursued by Abiah as her leisure time increased?

18) Describe how Abiah's personal business success led to increased financial security for the Hiller family.