Ellender Pruitt’s life, spanning from 1764 to 1845, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a woman in early America. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Ellender’s early years were likely shaped by the rural and agrarian nature of the region. The daughter of Michael Pruitt and Elizabeth Bright, she grew up in a period when the American colonies were on the cusp of dramatic change, leading up to the Revolutionary War.

In 1779, at the age of about 15, Ellender married Abner Center. This union was significant, occurring during a tumultuous time in American history. The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) not only brought political upheaval but also affected the daily lives of citizens. Ellender and Abner’s early married life would have been marked by the uncertainties and hardships of this era. They moved to Virginia, where they started their family, welcoming children Mary Polly Bellew and William Perry Center.

Life in Virginia and later in South Carolina for Ellender would have been predominantly domestic, focusing on raising her children and managing household affairs. The socio-economic conditions of the time were challenging, especially for women, who had limited rights and were expected to adhere to strict societal norms. Despite these constraints, women like Ellender played a crucial role in the family and community, often managing farms and businesses in their husbands’ absence.

The family eventually returned to South Carolina, where they would have engaged in agriculture, the primary occupation of the region. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were a time of significant growth and change in the United States, with the expansion of territories and the gradual shift from an agrarian to a more industrialized society. However, for families like Ellender’s, life remained rooted in traditional farming practices.

Ellender’s life also coincided with the early stages of the antebellum period in the South, a time when issues of race and slavery were becoming increasingly prominent. While there is no direct information about her involvement or stance on these issues, it’s likely that these societal debates impacted her life and the community she lived in.

Ellender passed away in 1845 in Glassy Mountain, Pickens County, South Carolina. Her final resting place is in the Tyger Baptist Church Cemetery in Tigerville, Greenville, South Carolina. Her life, spanning over eight decades, witnessed the birth of a nation and its early struggles and growth. Through her story, we get a glimpse of the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the challenges of early American life.