Advertisements

A man named Phillip Miller placed an ad in the Pennsylvania Gazette May 1, 1776 which read: CAME TO MY PLANTATION, in SPRINGFIELD Township, PHILADELPHIA County, near Flour-town, the 26th of March 1776, A Strange Red Cow, The owner may have her again, on prove his property, and paying charges" One of the first ads for Lost and Found articles were as follows:"Lost on the 10. Of April last off of Mr. Shippen's Warff in Boston, two iron anvils, weighing between 120 and 140 pounds. Whoever has taken them up, and will bring or give true intelligence of them to John Campbell, Post master, shall have a adequate reward" it was the Publisher that had the responsibility to pay rewards for lost and found articles. I like you are wondering, who would steal something that heavy and where would they keep it and, why? This example was one of personal advertisements which often blended large humor: March 8, 1866- Marriage-A Gentleman, Young with a fair section of cash and very "large expectations", desires to make some food and handsome girl his wife. Her happiness will be his own, and the sincere object of marital relations; money no object, but youth indispensable. Old maids, widows, and ugly women over 18 need not to respond to "Ye Man", Herald Office. November 9, 1862, New York Sunday Mercury," TO PATRIOTIC UNMARRIED LADIES- I am a soldier, just returned from the wars. Have lost leg, but expect to get a cork one; have useless arm, but will be called brave for it; was once good-looking, but am scarred all over. If any patriotic young lady will marry me, why FALL IN LINE! The applicant must be moderately handsome, have an excellent education, play the piano and sing; and a competency will not be objectionable. One with these requirements would, doubtless, secure my affections. Address Capt. F.A.B., Mercury Office"