A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
A formula stating that the writer's purpose is marriage: object meaning goal or aim.
| Type | Historical language |
|---|---|
| Category | Formula |
| Earliest example in the archive | January 21, 1865, Soldier's Letter |
| Most common | 1860s to the 1910s |
Object matrimony, often set off with commas or a semicolon, told readers that the writer was serious and that the correspondence was meant to lead somewhere. It became so standard that writers could play with it: in 1905 a woman in New Haven wrote object sociability, borrowing the formula to say she wanted company, not a husband.
OSKALOOSA, IOWA, Jan. 5th, 1865. MR. EDITOR:—Misses Mollie and Nellie present their compliments, and hope this letter will not be considered an intrusion. We, each of…
PERSONAL. A lady wishes correspondence with a gentleman of cents and refinement. Object, matrimony. Photographs exchanged. Address, PYCHON L. LEE, San Jose, Cal. dec…
A YOUNG LADY OF MEANS WILL BE pleased to correspond with a young gentleman of position and polished habits. Ultimate object, matrimony. Address E. A. S., Democrat office.
PERSONAL—A YOUNG MAN WITH a good business wishes to form the acquaintance of some lady with some means; object matrimony. Please address, in confidence, B 85, Tribune…
WANTED—A young man of moral habits wishes a young lady correspondent. Object matrimony. Address, S. Martin, Silver City, New Mexico.
PERSONAL—A good looking, intelligent young man of about 25 years of age, and of average moral character, who is unfortunately in a crippled financial condition, wishes…
MIDDLE-AGED GENTLEMAN, WHO HAS a fine home in the country, would like to make the acquaintance of a lady having some means; object, matrimouy. Address J. S., Sorrento,…
WANTED—The acquaintance of a refined, well educated lady, not over 30, by a bachelor; college graduate, good position; object matrimony. Address P. O. box 405, Colorado…
PERSONAL—A HARDWORKING, HONEST widow, struggling to support her little family, would like to meet a good and true-hearted old gentleman (widower) of wealth; object,…
An Aspen lady would like to correspond with gentleman about forty years old object matrimony. Miner preferred. Address A. B. C., Aspen, Colo.
WANTED—By gentleman who has few leisure hours in the evening to form the acquaintance of lady. Object matrimony. Address, "Frank," care Herald Democrat.
A lady would like to correspond with a middle-aged gentleman, object matrimony. No triflers need apply. A miner preferred. Address 1144, Times office.
MIDDLE-AGED professional gentleman from the East; desires the acquaintance of a lady; object matrimony. Box 555, Call office.
YOUNG man, 26, stranger in city, desires lady acquaintance, object matrimony. Address T-240, News.
MIDDLE-AGED lady would like to meet congenial gentleman; object sociability. Mable Dodge, General Delivery, City.
HONORABLE, INTELLIGENT, WELL to do farmer, widower, aged 45, wishes the acquaintance of a lady not over 40. Object matrimony. Address by letter, J. W. care Statesman.
GENTLEMAN, 45, WANTS TO MEET Gentile lady of loving disposition, 35-40; object matrimony. N-46, Tribune.
A WIDOW LADY, STRANGER IN city, well educated, some means, would like to meet a gentleman not over 45; object matrimony; no triflers need answer. Address E-50, Tribune.
WIDOW, who is amiable and domestic, would like to meet refined gentleman, of 40 or 45; one who, like herself, desires love and companionship; object matrimony. Z-25,…
WANTED—To meet good woman of middle age, by elderly gentleman with property and good income. Object, matrimony. Address or come to see J. B. Coleman, 515 Harrison ave.,…
REFINED widow, 42, excellent housekeeper, fine cook, desires to meet elderly gentleman of sufficient means to provide comfortable home; object matrimony. Address box…
WOMAN of refinement would like to meet man of about 45 years, with good situation or business; no objection to children; object matrimony. Mrs. Zetter, City.
A gentleman of 40 in moderate circumstances, wishes to get acquainted with lady, object matrimony. No trifler need apply. Address J. A. P., this office.
GENTLEMAN of refinement, age 35, wishes to meet lady with means, between 30 and 40 years of age. Object matrimony. C. F. Brooks, Gen. Del., Phoenix, Ariz. 1t
WANTED—To meet lady between 30 to 50 yrs.; must be jolly and good entertainer. Object matrimony. Address Mr. Rollins, Adams hotel. Highest references. bn
WANTED—A true companion and chum, from 48 to 60 years old. She must be a lady of a loving disposition. Object matrimony; no fooling. Box 48X, Republican.
WORKING MAN of small means, 40, employed, would like to keep company with working woman of suitable age; object, matrimony. Box 1B, Republican. r
HEALTHY widower with comfortable home, wishes to correspond with unincumbered, healthy christian lady, 30 to 35 years, object matrimony. Box 33T, Republican. dn
WELL educated and refined widow musically inclined and alone, desires the companionship of refined gentleman of means; object matrimony. All replies will be treated in a…
KIND-HEARTED woman (32), good-looking, desires to meet refined business gentleman (under 55), one who'd appreciate honest, lovable helpmeet. Object matrimony. Box 47V,…
The modern equivalent is stating your intent up front, as in looking for something long-term. The formula survives in spirit wherever a personal ad says plainly what it is for.
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How this fits into 170 years of personal ad shorthand: From Object Matrimony to LTR: How Personal Ads Learned to Talk in Code.
All dictionary entries · The Personals Archive · How to write a personal ad
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