Object matrimony

A formula stating that the writer's purpose is marriage: object meaning goal or aim.

History

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.

In the archive

• Soldier's Letter · January 21, 1865Two Iowa women write to a regiment for correspondents

  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…

• New National Era · December 12, 1872A lady seeks a gentleman of cents and refinement

  PERSONAL. A lady wishes correspondence with a gentleman of cents and refinement. Object, matrimony. Photographs exchanged. Address, PYCHON L. LEE, San Jose, Cal. dec…

• New Orleans Daily Democrat · August 12, 1877A young lady of means, ultimate object matrimony

  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.

• Chicago Daily Tribune · June 5, 1881A young businessman seeks a lady of some means

  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…

• Sedalia Weekly Bazoo · October 17, 1882A young man of moral habits wants a correspondent

  WANTED—A young man of moral habits wishes a young lady correspondent. Object matrimony. Address, S. Martin, Silver City, New Mexico.

• Los Angeles Herald · August 7, 1898A struggling widow seeks a widower of wealth

  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,…

• New Haven Union · January 10, 1905A middle-aged lady, object sociability

  MIDDLE-AGED lady would like to meet congenial gentleman; object sociability. Mable Dodge, General Delivery, City.

• Evening Statesman · October 11, 1905A farmer, 45, seeks a wife not over 40

  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.

• Salt Lake Tribune · July 29, 1907A gentleman, 45, wants to meet a Gentile lady

  GENTLEMAN, 45, WANTS TO MEET Gentile lady of loving disposition, 35-40; object matrimony. N-46, Tribune.

• Salt Lake Tribune · October 19, 1908A widow lady, stranger in the city

  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.

• San Francisco Call · August 30, 1912A widow and fine cook seeks a comfortable home

  REFINED widow, 42, excellent housekeeper, fine cook, desires to meet elderly gentleman of sufficient means to provide comfortable home; object matrimony. Address box…

• Honolulu Star-Bulletin · March 18, 1914A gentleman of 40 in moderate circumstances

  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.

Today

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.

Related terms

How to cite this entry

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