The Co-Citizens

by Corra Harris

"The Co-Citizens" by Corra Harris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in the fictional Southern town of Jordantown and revolves around the life and unexpected legacy of Sarah Hayden Mosely, a quiet and often overlooked widow who becomes a pivotal character after her death. The narrative entwines themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the burgeoning suffrage movement, bringing to the forefront the lives of both men and women in a community facing monumental change. The opening of the novel introduces us to the character of Sarah Mosely, described as a dominet figure in Jordantown due to her late husband's wealth yet largely ignored by the townspeople during her life. Upon her death, the community buzzes with curiosity regarding the disposition of her estate, leading to an unexpected twist when her will reveals a legacy that will empower the women of the town in their pursuit of suffrage. We learn about various characters, including the Reverend Paul Stacey and the estate's agent, Samuel Briggs, who are concerned about how their fates intertwine with the fortune left by Mosely. As the townsfolk grapple with this change, the strong personalities of Susan Walton and Selah Adams emerge, representing the shifting dynamics as women begin to assert their presence in a male-dominated society.