Did people in the 19th century really sew thier money in their clothes?

Question

Ive been reading alot of books from the early 1900s and the late 1800s, and like the people in there would say that they would carry money around by sewing it in their clothes. ????? so like everytime they wanted to get a coin out that person would have to rip his pocket open or what

Answer 1

Yes people didn't have access to banks as we do today and would take all their wealth with them on their travels to another part of the country or the world. They didn't put all their money in the linings of their dresses or cloaks but left some for expenitures in their purses (not the types we have today) which were usually hung on their belts. They were afraid of being robbed, since pickpockets, cutpurses and highway robbers were very active.

Answer 2

Yes during the civil war many southerners did sew money and jewels in the hems of womens dresses, as well as during the American Revolution, and other conflicts in past centuries, it was felt that women would be safe from search for possessions. This was not a every day thing, but only in difficult times, or when traveling distances alone.