Mary Boykin Chesnut was know for her diary that described the American Civil War and her life. She was considered an upper class Southerner. An historian by the name of Vann Woodward made an edition of the diary in 1981 which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1982.
Mary was born on March 31, 1823 near Stateburg, South Carolina. Her mother gave birth to her at Mary's grandparent plantation. She was named after her mom and her father's name was Stephen. He served in the U.S house of Representatives. Later in the year 1829 he became governor of South Carolina, also in 1831he became a U.S. Senator. In 1829. Mary attend a French school for young ladies. She also learned how to speak French and German.
Mary married James Chesnut Jr. in April of 1840 on the 23 of the month. James was very interested in politics he was a U.S. Senator for South Carolina from 1858 to when the seceded in 1860. He then became a high general for the Confederate Army and aided President Jefferson.
Mary was very involved in her husband's career. She and James had no children. They had very big group of wealthy friends which were also a part of the Confederacy government. They were very good friends with President Jefferson and his wife Varina. Mary died in 1886 at Sarsfield, her home. She was buried at Knights Hill Cemetery next to James.
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