From Property to Person: Rome’s Shifting Social Order by Liisa Eyerly

In my previous two blogs, I explored the all-important status ladder of ancient Rome. I use the term ladder because people could move up and down in rank, standing, and station. This included slaves who were legally considered property, not persons, with no legal rights. A slave could be punished, sold, abused, or killed at the whim of their owner. Physical labor on farms, in mines, in brothels, or on galley ships. included neglect, abuse, and often a short lifespan. Charles William Bartlett, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons  

Enslavement was harsh, but in ancient Rome, it was not always permanent. In my mystery novel Obedient Unto Death, I introduce this complex, layered reality through Sabina's childhood nurse, who, despite their emotional bond and trust, remained enslaved. And Sabina's father's freedman and spy-master, who was freed in a legal process called manumission and was trusted with the family's most dangerous secrets. 

Roman ships- its rise and fall; a text-book for high schools and colleges (1900) (14598250937).jpg via Wikimedia Commons

People enslaved in cities—especially those working in businesses, possessing education or marketable skills, or serving within a household—had a greater chance of gaining freedom than those relegated to hard physical labor.

Freedom was viewed as an incentive for loyal and hardworking slaves, and owners saw freed slaves as investments, future clients, and business partners. A Roman woman dressed and groomed by her slaves via Wikimedia Commons

Freedom was often granted as a reward for dedicated service, when an owner died, or occasionally when a bond formed, such as between Senator Marcus Tullius Cicero and Tiro, his personal secretary and archivist. Manumission elevated the freed slave to Roman citizen status, allowing them to outrank a freeborn person from Roman provinces within Spain, Greece, or Asia Minor.

*They could legally marry *Own property and do business *Were protected under Roman law
Marcus Tullius Cicero.jpg via Wikimedia Commons

Freedmen were considered lower-status than freeborn citizens, but they maintained obligations to their former owners in a client/patron relationship. Freedmen and freedwomen often continued in the same roles they had held in slavery, working in the same homes, businesses, or farms and providing the same services. The key difference was that they were now responsible for their own food, clothing, and shelter. Rather than being owned, they were paid—sometimes by their former masters—to carry out familiar work. A tutor might go on teaching, gardeners continued tending estates, and a business manager might remain in place or even enter into a partnership with a former owner. Papyrus manumission document. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Manumission_-_A.D._355.JPG

After Tiro’s manumission, he continued working for Cicero, inventing a form of shorthand known as Tironian notes. He recorded and maintained Cicero's many writings and was responsible for the preservation and publication of Cicero’s letters after Cicero's execution. Manumission was a powerful instrument for social mobility. Freedmen, Freedwomen, and their children made up a large portion of Roman society, with some estimates as high as 20%.

Lekythos, ca. 550–530 B.CE. Amasis painter attr. Weaving, upright loom. Unrolled.The Met.jpg via Wikimedia commons

At the same time, freedom was held out as a reward for loyal service; it also created an incentive structure that discouraged rebellion. Freedom was used as a tool to protect those in power from slave revolts—an ever-present fear among the Roman elite. Spartacus led one of the most famous uprisings, though many others occurred throughout Roman history. By offering the possibility of manumission, slaveholders fostered the belief that enslavement was not necessarily permanent, sustaining hope for a different future while reinforcing control.

As Roman citizens, they could partake of the benefits of one of the world's most powerful, rich, and prosperous empires. 

Step into the shadowy streets of 96 AD Ephesus, where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between friend and foe is razor-thin. Fortunes of Death, plunges you into a world where faith is tested, alliances are shattered, and one woman's courage could be the difference between life and death.

Sabina, a fierce young Christian widow, is thrust into a deadly game when a wealthy citizen is murdered. With her friend’s life hanging in the balance, Sabina must unravel a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. Every clue she uncovers brings her closer to the truth—and closer to becoming the next victim.

This isn't just a murder mystery. It's a gripping tale of faith, resilience, and the power of one woman standing against the darkness 

Mystery, murder, and mayhem aren’t your typical Christian themes—but why should secular authors have all the fun solving crimes in ancient Rome? My love of history, scripture, and whodunits led me to blend faith with intrigue, bringing the world of the early Christians to life. Writing from my home in the woods of northern Wisconsin, I also draw inspiration from my travels to Turkey, Greece, and Italy, where I’ve walked the same streets my characters once did. Through historical mysteries, I explore a time when faith was a matter of life and death—literally.

Visit me at my website, on my Author Facebook page,

or purchase my books at:
Fortunes of Death
Obedient Unto Death My Amazon book page

Western Hearths: Spring Homestead Dinners

Spring in the 1800s was a season of hope, work, and anticipation. After months of harsh winter weather, homesteaders welcomed the first signs of spring. High on their list of priorities came planting a garden for fresh eating and preserving. Greens, herbs, and early root vegetables were the first to make it to the table. From these limited resources, they created dinners that brought beauty to simplicity. The aroma of a simmering stew combined with the warmth of bread from the Dutch oven became much more than the sum of its parts. Such a meal provided nourishment for the body and soul.

The Homestead Table in Spring

Typical April crops on a western homestead might include:

• Tender greens like spinach, dandelion, and lettuce
• Root vegetables (carrots, turnips, and onions)
• Herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme

To these, a homestead cook added fruit from preserved stores, such as dried apples, berries, or rhubarb. Protein was often limited to eggs, milk, or cheese from the family’s animals. Salt pork or occasional fresh meat sometimes also made the menu. Bread often came in the form of biscuits, johnnycakes, or loaves baked in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. 

Western pioneers cooked hearty meals to carry them through long hours of planting, plowing, and tending livestock. Grateful to make it through the long months of winter, they celebrated the new life of springtime with fresh, nourishing dinners.

Pioneer Spring Vegetable Stew

A spring vegetable stew seasoned with a clever mix of herbs, epitomizes the humble circumstanced and adaptability of western pioneers.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons lard, butter, or bacon drippings
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, diced
2 cups chopped cabbage or kale
1 cup chopped early greens or herbs (parsley, dandelion, or spinach)
4 cups water or broth (if available)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup dried beans, soaked overnight

Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the fat over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes to coat in fat.
Add cabbage or kale, greens, beans (if using), and water or broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve hot, with a slice of bread if available.

Tip: For a richer flavor, fry a small piece of salted pork at the beginning and cook the vegetables in the rendered fat.

More Than Just a Meal

In diaries and letters from the era, settlers often mentioned how meals brought the family together, despite the challenges of life. Keeping food on the table was a family task, with children helping in the garden and kitchen. Neighbors sometimes shared in a meal as the whole community celebrated the bounty of spring.

Bringing It to Your Own Table

Making a homestead vegetable stew today is a way to honor our western heritage. As you gather early spring vegetables from your garden or local market, imagine western settlers stirring a pot over a wood stove. Even if you didn’t till the prairie soil, you have the same goal of offering your family something nourishing with intention and care.

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Discover Montana Gold 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 

Lighthouses of the Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands region, where the St. Lawrence River winds between the United States and Canada, is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and maritime history. Scattered among its many islands are historic lighthouses that once played a vital role in guiding ships through narrow passages, rocky shoals, and unpredictable currents. Today, they remain enduring symbols of the region’s rich nautical past and continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

At the western gateway to the river, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse has stood watch since 1827. Positioned where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence, its classic white tower continues to shine as an active aid to navigation. Visitors are drawn to its scenic shoreline, listening to the waves and watching the light sweep across the water offers a peaceful glimpse into a simpler, slower pace of life.

Farther along the river, Rock Island Lighthouse offers both history and adventure. Accessible only by boat, this 1847 lighthouse now serves as a museum. Guests can explore exhibits detailing maritime life and climb the narrow staircase to the lantern room, where panoramic views of the islands stretch in every direction.

In contrast, Sister Island Lighthouse provides quiet beauty from afar. Built in 1870 and not open to the public, it sits serenely on its small island, surrounded by water and sky. Its solitude adds to its charm, making it a favorite sight for passing boaters and photographers.

Other notable lights enrich the region’s story. Sunken Rock Lighthouse rises dramatically from the river, marking a once-dangerous shoal. Crossover Island Lighthouse and Galloo Island Lighthouse also played critical roles in ensuring safe passage through busy shipping lanes.

Together, these lighthouses form a captivating network of history, resilience, and beauty—timeless beacons that continue to guide not only ships, but also the imaginations of all who experience the magic of the Thousand Islands.

ABOUT LOVE AT A LIGHTHOUSE SERIES:

Join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three Thousand Islands lighthouses.

Libby’s Lighthouse: When the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.

Julia’s Joy: She came to Sister Island to claim her inheritance, but the mysterious lighthouse keeper, William Dodge, makes her question all her plans.

Emma’s Engagement: Rock Island lighthouse. A new wife for lightkeeper Michael Diepolder. A jealous daughter. Can love shine through the darkness?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

 

The Texas Town That Beat the Depression—For a While

 by Tom Goodman

Just south of Granbury, Texas, the Brazos River curls into a horseshoe and nearly closes on itself, leaving a wide piece of land tucked inside the bend. Today, the Pecan Plantation subdivision sits there—a community I knew well when my brother called it home.

But before the golf carts and manned gates, people called that same ground something else.

A Texas utopia.

Kristenstad.

In the early 1930s, Christian Christensen led thirty carefully chosen families to build something rare on that stretch of land. They milled their own lumber from cleared timber, turned the wood excess into chairs and charcoal, and worked the fields together. Nearly everything was produced on site. They even minted their own tokens for trade inside the settlement.

For a time, it worked. No crime. No lawsuits. A steady rhythm of labor and provision.

And then the newspapers found it.

As the Great Depression deepened, glowing accounts of Kristenstad spread far beyond Hood County. One newspaper headline declared, “Depression merely news item to one little Texas community.” Stories were picked up and carried across the country, holding up Kristenstad as an example of communal living that was immune to hard times.

Men and families began arriving with expectations the place was never built to meet. Some came looking for a fresh start. A few came looking to test ideas of their own. Christensen had designed Kristenstad as a disciplined system of shared effort and personal responsibility. The publicity recast it as something easier.

He complained that “criminals, communists, fanatics, and rattle-brained cranks of every description” began to drift in, some gaining a foothold before their intentions were clear.

The original vision—tight, practical, demanding—grew harder to maintain as new arrivals pressed in with different assumptions.

Then the Depression that everyone said Kristenstad was immune to caught up with them. Prices collapsed. Crops failed. Livestock died. Fire took the chair factory, one of their most profitable community enterprises. But in a nation afflicted by economic hardship, few were buying them anyway. 

The final blow to the community was the death of its founder in 1937. He was only sixty-one.

Without him, there was no one left to hold the line—no one to enforce the discipline the system required or push back against those reshaping it from within.

By 1938, the community defaulted on its loans and the land was returned to its original owners. The dream that had been Kristenstad was no more.

Your humble author about 34 years ago on the Brazos where it bends around the Hood County subdivision, Pecan Plantation, the site of what was once Kristenstad. 

Jeremiah Lanphier's noontime prayer meeting sent revival across the country

 

 

 

 

Jeremiah Lanphier, a name no one recalls outside of Bible scholars. Born in Coxsackie, New York in 1809 to a farming family. At 16, he apprenticed to a cloth merchant and also studied music. Jeremiah opened his own business at the same time he joined the Broadway Tabernacle choir at the church built for Revivalist Charles Finney. Under his preaching, Jeremiah became a Christian.

As wealthy families moved away from lower Manhattan, the churches moved with them. But Lanphier continued to live in lower Manhattan, serving the Lord where he could. He embraced the call to be a city missionary for the North Dutch Church in Manhattan.

Although Lanphier had no theological training, he was a remarkably good candidate for such a ministry. He never married. His peers described him as tall with a pleasant personality. He was full of energy and perseverance. Gifted in music, prayer, and preaching. Jeremiah was noted for his modest demeanor, his piety, and good judgment.

Ministry begins 

On July 1,1857, he closed his business and took on his lay-minister calling with determination. Going door to door, visiting homes, passing out religious tracts, and inviting people to church filled his days. Additionally, he invited children to Sunday School and encouraged the hotels to direct their guests to services. All of this with little to show for his efforts.

 Lanphier was given the task of reaching the growing population of New York. At the time, Manhattan's population was multiplying rapidly—immigrants, workers, and businessmen filled the streets. Few had any connection to church or faith. He struggled trying to fulfill his calling. People were busy, some distracted just trying to survive. Others were uninterested in the Gospel. Thus, he tried something different.

Lanphier found prayer brought him peace and contentment. He resolved to start a prayer meeting for businessmen. As a former business owner, he knew the value of time for them. During lunch, all the businesses were closed—a perfect time to pray. He sent out handbills inviting people to attend a prayer meeting every Wednesday during their lunch hour. The flyer encouraged people to come when they could between noon and one and stay as long as they liked; be it five minutes, twenty minutes, or the whole hour.

On September 23, 1857, he placed a sign outside the church directing people to the prayer room. The first meeting he prayed alone for thirty minutes, then one man came and before the hour was up, there were four more. Six men in attendance might have seemed like a failure, but Lanphier was persistent.

The next week there were twenty, the third week forty. and by October the prayer meeting became a daily gathering. There were few simple rules for the prayer meeting that Lanphier politely but firmly enforced: that those praying out loud were to be limited to five minutes and that no controversial topics were to be discussed. Women who attended the meetings could make requests, but weren't permitted to pray out loud. In the early days, hundreds of prayer requests came in to the Fulton Street meeting from all parts of the country. What was later known as the Fulton Street Revival was in full swing.

 Fulton Street Revival Grows

By January 1858, the church had opened a second room and by February a third, so prayers were going on simultaneously each noon. As many as twenty noon prayer meetings were being held throughout Manhattan. In mid-March Burton Theater, capable of holding 3,000, was crowded for the prayer meetings. By the end of March, every downtown New York church and public hall was filled to capacity. Ten thousand men were gathering daily for prayer.

It has been estimated that as many as a million people were converted in 1858 and 1859, more than 3% of United States population of less than thirty million.

For years after the revival, Lanphier continued to hold his daily prayer meeting in lower Manhattan. As The New York Times wrote after his retirement in 1893, "success did not elate him, nor was he discouraged by indifference."

The man was quietly faithful to his calling. He retired in 1893 due to age and failing eyesight. It is estimated that he oversaw more than 11,000 prayer meetings, where more than a half million people attended over 36 years, and that 56,000 prayers had been offered and 225,000 written requests for prayer had come in.

 Lanphier died on December 26, 1898. He left no famous sermon or other legacy that caused him to be remembered beyond the Christian circles he served in. Although he is given credit for starting the Fulton Street Revivals, scholars argue it had already begun before the prayer meetings started. Either way, Jeremiah Lanphier carried the torch of prayer consistently, daily leading others, lifting up the lost to the Lord.

Even after the revival ended, he never abandoned his calling to prayer. On the 150th Anniversary of the Prayer Meeting Revival, sculptor Lincoln Fox created a statue of Lanphier sitting on a park bench with Bible in hand, inviting passersby to pray, on the site where the Fulton Street Revival began. Later it was moved to the lobby of King's College.

Although he never sought fame, he impacted millions of lives through consistent prayer. What a wonderful reminder for believers.

Have you ever heard of the Fulton Street Revival or Jeremiah Lanphier?

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Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author in Historical and Contemporary Romance.  She’s a 2018 Selah Finalist. Cindy has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.