We sometimes forget that corruption and bribery are not new. In the 17th century, even though women, especially widows, were actively involved in transacting business, it was thought those who opening ran an establishment were of low moral character. In the early 1670s, a widow, Alice Thomas, ran a tavern in her house in Boston, the first female to do so. But there were some in her community that weren't happy with her. Complaints were made. She was fined, whipped and sent to prison for selling liquor without a license, profaning | the Sabbath, receiving stolen goods and allowing "frequent secret and unseasonable entertainment in her house to Lewd Lascivious and Notorious persons of both sexes, giving them opportunity to commit Carnale Wickedness." I didn't find any information about it, but I wouldn't be surprised if her husband had had a license before he died. Thomas paid her fine, took her whipping but she didn't stay in prison. She understood how things worked. Instead, she bought her freedom with a large financial contribution to the City of Boston. |
Female Adventurers |
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