Russian last names

[Mark Williams <marwill@EIS.CALSTATE.EDU>]

A teacher on my staff  (AP English) need to know if a woman in Russia
commonly takes her husband's family name when she marries, particularly
in the 1800's.   Her class is studying Russian literature of the period
and relating it to woman's role in society.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Mark Williams

(P.S>. have tried obvious sources, including local college, where the
Russian professor is on sabbatical!)