Edward Craw, 1857
One idea frequently expressed in 19th-century newspapers regarding an individual wearing the clothing of another gender is that authorities will determine “what shall be done with” that person—a rather chilling idea for 21st-century readers, given the insignificance of the supposed crime.
It appears in the write-ups of the story of Edward Craw, also known as Catherine and Catharine. Craw had a variety of jobs in the three years since adopting men’s clothing: cook and cabin-boy, fruit peddler. All jobs, it seems, that paid better than ones a woman could get.
Craw’s story appeared first in the Oswego Times (unavailable to me) and was reprinted and summarized in newspapers across the U. S. The summaries and reprints get … interesting. Craw is 18 and 19 and when wearing men’s clothing looks 14 and 10 (Hillside Standard [Hillsdale, Michigan] 28 July 1857; p. 1). All agree, however, that Craw makes a good-looking young man—which is another idea frequently expressed in these news stories.
The reprint in the Troy Daily Times appears as one of a trio of stories about women: Georgianna Gendler, who traveled as a man from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hoping to “[wreak] vengeance upon her seducer;” Mary Bloomfield, who saved two children from the burning steamship Montreal by holding onto a rope with one hand, “keeping the head of one child above the water with the other, and holding the other up by fastening her teeth in its dress.” (Mrs. Bloomfield lost some teeth.) In this reprint, Craw is 18 and looks 14; and it’s to be hoped that this is close to the version in the Oswego Times.
“The Women: Masquerading in Male Attire.” Oswego Times [Oswego, New York]; reprinted in Troy Daily Times [Troy, New York] 13 July 1857; p. 1.
A young lady named Catherine Craw, as she spells her name, was arrested by the police yesterday afternoon, and brought before the Recorder, under somewhat singular circumstances. The young lady has been in this city since some time last winter, dressed in male attire, and most of the time has been in the employ of Mr. Jones, who keeps a fruit stand on the corner of West-First and Seneca streets. During that time she has acted in the capacity of a pedler of apples and fruit, and her sex has not been discovered or suspected. Mr. Jones declares that she was the best “boy” he ever had, and was strictly honest and virtuous. During the time she was in the employ of Mr. Jones, she went by the name of Edward Craw. Previous to this, “Edward” was on board a vessel as cabin-boy and cook, and the captain of the vessel testifies that he never suspected her sex, but always observed that the boy was exceedingly modest and well-behaved. At times when the sailors indulged in obscene conversation, he noticed that “Edward” would blush and walk away to some other part of the vessel, and that he—or rather she—often reproved the sailors for their vulgar jests, and was a great favorite with them.
Some accidental circumstance discovered Edward’s sex to Mrs. Jones, and a dress was loaned to her, in which the former apple-pedler appeared in the streets in her proper attire. The boys who were acquainted with her as “Edward,” were not disposed to acknowledge her as “Catherine,” and consequently to protect her from annoyance, she was taken into custody by the police.
The young lady affirms that she has been in male attire for three years; that she left her father because she was unable to procure employment as a female, and dressed in male costume to obtain better wages—in which she has been successful and has saved some money. She carried a large dirk knife, and when asked its use, declared it was to take the life of any man who attempted to trifle with her honor. She says she is eighteen years of age; when dressed in male attire she has the appearance of a good-looking boy of about 14 years.
Catherine appears to be virtuous and intelligent, and altogether her case is a remarkable one, partaking of the character of romance. It is not yet determined what shall be done with her.
Oh, yes: “it is not yet determined what shall be done with her.” The Buffalo Daily Times, however, had a suggestion: “She will probably be allowed to resume her male attire and visit some other section, where she is unknown.” (“News and Other Paragraphs.” 13 July 1857; p. 2) And perhaps Craw did find another place to live a life as fulfilling as possible.
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