Jenny von Westphalen

Johanna Bertha Julie "Jenny", Freiin von Westphalen (February 12, 1814, Salzwedel – December 2, 1881, London) was the wife of Karl Marx, and the daughter of Johann Ludwig Westphal, 1st Freiherr von Westphalen (1770-1842), a professor at Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität in Berlin, and wife Caroline Heubel (c. 1775-1856), and only sister of Edgar, Freiherr von Westphalen (Trier, Rheinland, March 26, 1819 – Berlin, September 30, 1890). Her paternal grandparents were Christian Heinrich Westphal (1723-1792) and wife Jenny Wishart (1742-1811), from Scottish nobility.

Jenny and Karl were married on June 19, 1843 in Kreuznacher Pauluskirche, Bad Kreuznach, and had seven children: Jenny Caroline (m. Longuet; 1844-1883); Jenny Laura (m. Lafargue; 1845-1911); Edgar (1847-1855); Henry Edward Guy ("Guido"; 1849-1850); Jenny Eveline Frances ("Franziska"; 1851-1852); Jenny Julia Eleanor (1855-1898); and one more who died before being named (July 1857). Jenny and Karl worked together; he wrote and she edited books that would remain influential throughout the world.

Even though she came from a wealthy family, she stood by Karl's side throughout their life in poverty. In the end of almost every month she had to mortgage her china, from her family, or her tablecloths.

References

* Tucker, R.C. (2000) Philosophy and Myth in Karl Marx. Transaction Publishers. ISBN 0-7658-0644-4.

External links

* [http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/letters/jenny/index.htm Jenny Von Westphalen-Marx Correspondence Page] at the Marxists Internet Archive.