A Decent Woman

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Object Matrimony:

The Risky Business of Mail-Order Matchmaking on the Western Frontier

There’s an old cowboy expression that goes, “There’s only two things I’m afraid of, a decent woman an’ bein’ left afoot.” Being afraid of a decent woman didn’t stop lonesome cowboys from answering the following ads placed in specialty newspapers in 1887 from ladies looking for a husband.

“Would like to correspond with a rancher about 30 to 35 years old. Am an American widow of 33; height 5 feet 2 inches; weight, 200; brown eyes, brown hair; common school education. Personal property worth $1,500. Object matrimony. No flirts need write.”

“I am a modest little girl of 19 summers with pleasant disposition, black hair, pretty brown eyes, fair complexion, weight 134, height 5 feet 6 inches; I am a farmer’s daughter, dress plain but neat; can cook and do housework; fond of dancing and like amusement; would be willing to live in country; all letters answered. Object, matrimony.”

To learn more about the serious business of finding a husband or wife by mail in the wide-open days of the Old West read Object Matrimony: The Risky Business of Mail-Order Matchmaking on the Western Frontier.

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