"Civilian" Authentic?

[KathyBradford]

How did soldiers of the day refer to locals and folks at home? On another forum, the question was raised about use of the word "civilian" for our time period. Is it such a common part of our lexicon that we readily accept and apply its use for the 19th Century? Should we instead be using the words "citizen" or "citizenry"?

Are there examples in letters, diaries, or military records where either word was used and with what frequency? When did the word "civilian" come into common, everyday use, and were they synonymous in the 1860's?

[ElizabethClark]

Re: "Civilian" Authentic?

Citizen, town folks, people--I prefer those to civilian, myself!

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: "Civilian" Authentic?

"...you could not tell him from any other old citizen."
James Hall on Jeff Davis.

[KarinTimour]

Re: "Civilian" Authentic?

Folks:

It's also important to keep in mind that female people in our period aren't citizens. Mixed groups of men and women are referred to as citizens. Males are citizens.

Susan B. Anthony had a speech talking about the idea of thinking of women as citizens -- which was considered a very strange notion in our time period.

Just to give another perspective, on the civilian authenticity board right now there is a link to the 1870s census, there is a listing for both "males over 21" and "male citizens over 21." Apparently where were no female citizens in the United States to be counted in 1870.

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitter -- Socks, Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: "Civilian" Authentic?

Most of the 1st hand accounts I am going through refer to women as "ladies" or "belles".