Even with the limited lives women had in the 1800's, some women were able to have a lasting effect. Beatrix Potter wrote "Peter Rabbit" and became famous and wealthy. She used her money to buy up farms at auction in the Lake District to save them from development.
Today Ruth reads "Peter Rabbit" in all it's light hearted charm, but let's not forget, it was Beatrix Potter who saved The Lake District for future generations.