History of Sorts

The final episode of Bonanza aired on January 16, 1973, marking the end of a remarkable 14-season run. This blog delves into the unseen yet pivotal characters of the show—the mothers—whose presence shaped the story but who never appeared on screen.

The Mothers of the Cartwright Boys in Bonanza

The classic Western television series Bonanza (1959–1973) is renowned for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and strong family dynamics. At the heart of the series is Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family, and his three sons: Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe. Each son has a different mother, whose stories contribute to the rich tapestry of the family’s history and the shaping of their unique personalities. Although these women are not present in the series itself, their influence is deeply felt through their sons and the stories Ben shares about them. Their narratives also reveal much about the challenges of frontier life and the ideals of family in the 19th-century American West.

Adam’s Mother: Elizabeth Stoddard Cartwright

Elizabeth Stoddard, the first wife of Ben Cartwright, is Adam’s mother. Her story is one of love and tragedy. She was the daughter of a prominent New England shipping magnate, and her union with Ben reflects a merging of two different worlds—the seafaring East and the untamed West. Elizabeth’s marriage to Ben was short-lived, as she tragically died shortly after Adam’s birth. Her death left a profound impact on Ben, who carried her memory with him as he ventured westward to build a new life for himself and his son.

Elizabeth’s influence is evident in Adam’s character. As the eldest son, Adam is thoughtful, educated, and reserved, embodying the intellectual refinement often associated with his mother’s New England upbringing. Ben’s stories about Elizabeth likely instilled in Adam a sense of responsibility and the value of knowledge, as Adam later attends college and becomes the most scholarly of the Cartwright brothers.

Hoss’s Mother: Inger Borgstrom Cartwright

Inger Borgstrom, Ben’s second wife, is Hoss’s mother. A Swedish immigrant, Inger symbolizes the pioneering spirit and resilience required to survive and thrive in the frontier. She met Ben while he was traveling west, and their relationship blossomed despite the hardships of the journey. Inger’s warmth, strength, and kindness left a lasting impression on those around her, including young Adam, who had already lost his mother by the time Inger joined the family.

Tragically, Inger’s life was also cut short. She was killed during an Indian attack while the family was traveling west. Despite her untimely death, Inger’s legacy endures through her son, Eric “Hoss” Cartwright. Hoss is known for his gentle and compassionate nature, as well as his physical strength and loyalty. These traits reflect the loving and nurturing qualities that Inger demonstrated during her brief time with her family. Her influence is a testament to the importance of maternal love in shaping Hoss’s identity.

Little Joe’s Mother: Marie DeMarigny Cartwright

Marie DeMarigny, Ben’s third wife and Little Joe’s mother, brings a touch of Southern charm and complexity to the Cartwright family’s history. A French-Creole woman from New Orleans, Marie’s background contrasts sharply with the rugged, Western life Ben had embraced. Her marriage to Ben is often portrayed as passionate and full of vitality, qualities that are reflected in their son, Little Joe.

Marie’s death, like those of Elizabeth and Inger, was untimely. She died after a fall from a horse, leaving Ben to raise Little Joe alone. Little Joe’s spirited, impulsive, and sometimes hot-headed personality mirrors the vivacious nature of his mother. His charm, charisma, and zest for life are lasting reminders of Marie’s influence. Through Ben’s stories and Little Joe’s memories, Marie’s presence remains a vibrant part of the family’s lore.

The Legacy of the Cartwright Mothers

Although Elizabeth, Inger, and Marie are absent from the events of Bonanza, their stories serve as a foundational element of the series. Each woman’s life and death contributed to the family’s dynamic and helped shape the characters of Ben and his sons. Ben’s experiences with love and loss demonstrate his resilience and commitment to family, while the boys’ personalities reflect the diverse backgrounds and values of their mothers.

The Cartwright mothers also represent the broader struggles and sacrifices of women in the 19th-century American West. Their stories highlight the challenges of childbirth, the dangers of frontier life, and the enduring strength of women who sought to build a better future for their families. These themes resonate with audiences, adding depth and emotional resonance to the series.

In conclusion, the mothers of the Cartwright boys may not appear on screen in Bonanza, but their presence is deeply felt throughout the series. Through their lives and legacies, Elizabeth, Inger, and Marie contribute to the rich storytelling and enduring appeal of the Cartwright family saga. Their stories remind us of the power of love, resilience, and family bonds in the face of adversity.

Ben-Lorne Greene-Cartwright sings on the record “Welcome to the Ponderosa” the story of his three beloved wives in the song “Saga of the Ponderosa”

There is a 4th son, who is often overlooked Finishing up with that famous theme of the show.Jamie Hunter was introduced in “A Matter of Faith” (season 12, episode 2). The red-haired orphan of a roving rainmaker. In season 13, episode 13(402) Ben begins the process to legally adopt Jamie as his son, but the process is complicated when Jamie’s maternal grandfather, Ferris Callahan, comes forward wanting custody. Ben must bear the heartbreaking news to Callahan that Jamie has bonded with the Cartwright family.

Recently I started to watch Yellowstone, and couldn’t help but noticing some similarities.

Finishing up with the famous Bonanza theme

sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonanza#

https://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question922.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bonanza

https://www.geocities.ws/cowboyarie/mom

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0529468/?ref_=ttep_ep_13