Nineteenth Century Mail-Order Bride SCAMS, Part 4

.

In 1865 (34 years earlier than Franks’ scheme), a similar incidence in New England didn’t get so far but still caused a stir.

.

Kristin Holt | Nineteenth Century Mail-Order Bride SCAMS, Part 4. Troubles in Matrimonial Advertising, in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865. Part 1 of 6.

1 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

2 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

3 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

4 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

5 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

6 of 6). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Brooklyn, New York on May 10, 1865.

.

The writer of this newspaper article as a great deal of wit and cynicism, editorializing more than a little about the circumstances wherein young women ‘really ought to know better.’ Perhaps this article is a bit of a looking glass into the times immediately post-Civil War when so many young men had been lost. Marriageable young ladies woefully outnumbered the men. It’s likely the women’s desperation drove them to take greater risks than ever before.

.

Kristin Holt | Nineteenth Century Mail-Order Bride SCAMS, Part 4. From The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York. May 10, 1865. "...the Justice could not take it upon himself to find brains for the women who answers matrimonial advertisements or consciences for the men who write them."

From The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York. May 10, 1865. “…the Justice could not take it upon himself to find brains for the women who answers matrimonial advertisements or consciences for the men who write them.”

.

Up Next! Nineteenth Century Mail-Order Bride SCAMS, Part 5: Chicago’s 100 Matrimonial Agencies–all shut down by one Police Detective.