Virginia Randolph Cary facts for kids

Virginia Randolph Cary (born January 30, 1786 – died May 2, 1852) was an American writer. She is best known for her book Letters on Female Character, Addressed to a Young Lady, on the Death of Her Mother, published in 1828. This book was a popular guide offering advice to young women.

Virginia Cary's Early Life

Tuckahoe Plantation, where Virginia Cary's parents lived.

Virginia Randolph Cary was born on January 30, 1786. Her family's home was Tuckahoe Plantation in Goochland County, Virginia. She was one of thirteen children. Her older sister, Mary Randolph (1762–1828), wrote a very famous cookbook called The Virginia House-Wife in 1824. Her brother, Thomas Mann Randolph Jr. (1768–1828), was an important person in politics. He served in the United States House of Representatives and later became the Governor of Virginia.

Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.

When Virginia was only three years old, her mother passed away in 1789. After this, she went to live at Monticello in Albemarle County, Virginia. Monticello was the home of her brother, Thomas Mann Randolph Jr., and his wife, Martha Jefferson Randolph. Martha was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third President of the United States. Virginia's sister Judith married Richard Randolph. His family history included Pocahontas, a famous Native American woman, and her husband, John Rolfe.

Virginia Cary's Published Works

Virginia Randolph Cary became a widow in 1823 after her husband passed away. After this, she began to publish several important books. These books showed her talent as a writer and her strong beliefs.

Her main works include:

• Letters on Female Character, Addressed to a Young Lady, on the Death of Her Mother (1828): This was an advice book that became very popular. It offered guidance on how young women should behave and live their lives.
• Mutius: An Historical Sketch of the Fourth Century (1828): This book was published by the American Sunday-School Union. It was a historical story set in the fourth century.
• Ruth Churchill; or, The True Protestant: A Tale for the Times (1851): This was a novel published later in her life.

Virginia Cary's Family Life

On August 28, 1805, Virginia Randolph married her cousin, Wilson Jefferson Cary (1783-1823). He was from Fluvanna County, Virginia. Together, they had six children:

• Col. Wilson Miles Cary (1806–1877)
• Archibald Cary (1815-1854)
• Jane Blair Cary
• Elizabeth Randolph Cary
• Mary Randolph Cary (1811–1887)
• Martha Jefferson Cary (1820-1873)

Virginia Randolph Cary passed away on May 2, 1852, in Alexandria, Virginia. She is buried in the cemetery of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church there.

Virginia Cary's Grandchildren

Virginia Cary had several notable grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Constance Cary (1843–1920), became a writer herself. She was also known as one of three women who helped sew the very first Confederate Battle Flag. Another granddaughter was Hetty Cary (1836–1892).

See also

• Randolph family of Virginia