What does the fact that Minnie Fosters and her husband, Mr. Wright, were childless reveal about their marriage?

In the story "A Jury of Her Peers," we learn from Mrs. Hale some interesting insights about Minnie Wright (formerly Foster) and her marriage dynamics. We first learn that Mrs. Hale never liked visiting her fellow farmer's wife home because her home "wasn't cheerful."

She also says that she never liked that place; it was hollow, and you "could not see the road." It was a "lonesome" place. Then, she reveals something that is up to us to speculate about:  

"Not having children makes less work," mused Mrs. Hale, after a silence, "but it makes a quiet house—and Wright out to work all day—and no company when he did come in.

At this point in the story, we have not yet obtained all the information that we need in order to make sense out of what  Mrs. Hale is trying to imply. Later on, as we continue to get clues, we realize that the Wright marriage was one-sided. John probably did not want children because he wanted Minnie all to himself as a possession. Only he and Minnie were in their isolated home, with no witnesses as to what could possibly go on inside. 

Then, as Ms. Hale continues to put the pieces together, the reader learns more about John Wright. Mrs. Hale, again provides an interesting piece of information that may help us picture their childless, lonely household. 

She says that John Wright could have been considered "a good man" in that he does what he is expected to do: pay his bills, work, and not drink. However, he is also cold. She cannot even imagine spending a whole day with him. Moreover, he is described as follows:

"Like a raw wind that gets to the bone." Her eye fell upon the cage on the table before her, and she added, almost bitterly: "I should think she would've wanted a bird!"

Here is when we make the connection that the one companion Minnie did have, her poor canary, also "happens" to be dead. We later find out that the bird is the one piece that puts everything together: John Wright, in a fit of rage, must have killed the bird that brought Minnie her sole moments of joy. As a result, the woman snaps and kills John. 

What inferences can we make?

1. John acted as if he were Minnie's "owner." He disregarded her needs for company or association. We know this because we also find out that when she was single, she enjoyed singing in the choir and dressing attractively. With John, she was isolated, frumpy, and completely lonely. 

2. A child could have brought Minnie some joy and companionship. John wanted neither of those things for his wife. 

3. A child could have also been a witness to any mistreatment; a child may have been an unwanted third party in the psychological game that John may have been playing.

4. Also, a child could have been too much of a distraction for Minnie in a household where even a canary was a problem for John Wright. He may have wanted all attention bestowed upon him. 

5. Lastly, who knows if it was Minnie's choice not to have children. 

These are all very valuable pointers that denote a household in which domestic abuse is taking place.