by Chris Enss
One of the most lucrative classes for the landlords is the newly married. Beginning in October and ending in April, it is estimated that there are in the city an average all the time of two hundred pairs of brides and grooms. The manager of the hotel which entertains most of them says he frequently has forty couples, and averages over twenty-five during the busy season. They are, he says, the most desirable class of guests. Always pleasant, they want the best of everything, and are given it. This hostelry makes a feature of pleasing those people, and all embarrassments are lessened to the minimum. Guests there are so used to seeing large numbers of brides and grooms that they are spared the stares so customary where this class is rare.
It is said to be the purpose of the great hotel company organizing here, and which intends to build a structure at a cost of $2,500,000, to arrange one floor with bridal apartments.
Matrimonial News—January 1887
French advertisement, 1857. A marriage broker packages brides set for shipment to California, where women are in high demand.
CALIFORNIA HISTORY ROOM, CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
KATHLEEN FORRESTSTALL
Irish Bride in Waiting
A weather-beaten stage labored over a rocky incline, then came to a stop to give the tired team of horses a chance to rest. Three road-weary passengers emerged from the coach and looked around. Eighteen-year-old Kathleen Forreststall was among them. She was a tall woman with red hair, green eyes, and a shocking number of freckles scattered across her face. She stared down at the valley below and at Fort Klamath in the near distance. She had left her home in County Cork, Ireland, on March 10, 1853. Five months later she was now looking out over the Oregon territory that was to be her new home.
Kathleen’s journey to the West had been a difficult one. Since reaching the states, she’d encountered rugged terrain, torrential downpours, and hostile Indians, and been robbed of her life savings. Nevertheless, considering the tragic life she had left behind in her homeland, these struggles were much more bearable.
Kathleen was born on November 16, 1835, in Waterford, Ireland. Her parents were farmers who had seven children to help them work a thirty-two acre plot of land that belonged to a British couple. She was the oldest girl and dreamed of becoming a schoolteacher. Kathleen was an exceptional student, and her mother and father encouraged her in all of her scholastic endeavors. When she was fourteen, however, a countrywide famine forced her to reevaluate her life’s pursuit.
By the time Kathleen became a teenager, the population in Ireland was more than eight million. There were few industries, so the country depended largely on agriculture. Farms decreased in size as the population grew. Most of the people, such as the Forreststalls, lived as tenants on the small farms they worked, and most of the produce they raised had to be turned over to the landlord as rent. Kathleen’s family, and others like them, had to struggle to survive on what was left from their production.
In 1848, a blight or disease infected the crops, rotting potatoes. Millions faced starvation. During the time of the first failed crops, Kathleen lost her mother and five of her siblings to hunger and sickness. Many of Kathleen’s neighbors and friends were emigrating out of the country and making their way to America or Canada. Kathleen, having watched her family starve, determined she would leave Ireland as soon as she could raise the money to do so.
An opportunity arose when a doctor who was paying a visit to the Forreststall home shared a copy of a San Francisco paper with Kathleen. The publication contained ads from pioneers and western settlers searching for wives, and many articles told of the shortage of women in the remote areas of the West and the opportunities available for adventurous females seeking a new life. Kathleen poured over the advertisements looking for a suitable solicitor. Within the numerous announcements was a plea from a young soldier: “In the interest of lifelong companionship and devotion—I am submitting this notice. I am a soldier with the United States Army. I am 27 years of age and of good, sturdy stock. I would like to correspond with a lady interested in matrimony.”
Lieutenant Fred M. Carey—1851
Kathleen sent a letter off to Lieutenant Carey describing her background, religious views, physical appearance, and desire to marry. Their written courtship was short, and the lieutenant proposed to Kathleen in his second letter. He also sent along the funds necessary for her to make her way to America.
After bidding farewell to her father and sisters, she boarded a ship and set sail in search of a better life. The voyage across the Atlantic was challenging.
Kathleen was hundreds of miles from Ireland but still feeling the pangs of hunger, because the vessel was poorly equipped with provisions. She survived on stale crackers and tea until the ship docked at the Isthmus of Panama, where she was able to purchase bananas and bread. She befriended another woman on the journey and the two spent a great deal of time together, swapping secrets and plans for the future. Kathleen foolishly told her new confidant the hiding place for the money sent to her by the lieutenant. Before the ship made port again, the woman had stolen $300 that Kathleen had sewn into the lining of one of her dresses.
When Kathleen arrived in San Francisco, she was virtually penniless. She sent a wire to the groom-to-be, and Lieutenant Carey arranged to pay for her stage fare. After a long, grueling ride, the coach arrived at Fort Klamath. Kathleen’s lieutenant was there to meet her.
Fred Carey was a shy, unassuming, slightly balding man who stood barely over five-feet-five-inches tall. The two smiled at one another and politely shook hands. He escorted her to the Fort’s guest quarters and after giving her a chance to unpack, the two set out for a walk.
Kathleen and Fred spent two days getting to know each other. He explained the vagabond lifestyle of a soldier and she agreed to take on all the responsibilities that were expected of an Army wife. A wedding date was set for the next time a minister would be at the Fort. A pair of officers’ wives offered to help Kathleen make preparations for the big day.
A week before Fred and Kathleen exchanged vows, the lieutenant was ordered to escort a supply wagon to Fort Walla Walla in the northern portion of the state. The couple said their goodbyes and the lieutenant promised to hurry back. As he left, Kathleen realized for the first time how much she had become attached to him. She had not anticipated falling in love but, happily, she had.
During Fred’s absence, a social was held in honor of the Fort’s commanding officer’s birthday. An array of food was served, parlor games were played, and there was music and dancing. Kathleen joined in the festivities, contributing a pie to the banquet and agreeing to dance with some of the soldiers. She had a delightful time and made sure those around her were equally as joyful.
Upon Fred’s return, the men in his service complimented him on his choice for a wife. They bragged about her cooking and talent as a dancer. Fred was horrified to learn that his intended had engaged in such “inappropriate” behavior while he was away. He confronted Kathleen, who, seeing no harm in what she had done, confessed to the actions.
The outraged and humiliated lieutenant called off the wedding. Kathleen begged him to reconsider, but he refused. Adding insult to injury, he demanded the money he invested in his mail-order bride be returned.
In order to earn the funds needed to repay Fred, Kathleen took on the job as the Fort’s laundry woman. Once financial restitution had been made, she relocated to San Francisco. Historical records show that she answered another advertisement for a mail-order bride, and this time, successfully married the ad’s author. The newlyweds moved to a mining camp in Placer County and opened a boarding house.
Lieutenant Fred M. Carey never married.
THE NEW PLAN
Magazine for Matrimony
Tears slid down widow Mabel Haskell’s face and fell onto the blank piece of paper in front of her. She sat poised, pen in hand over the monogrammed s
tationery, contemplating her life and lamenting her cheerless state of affairs. The sad but striking-looking woman in her late forties had no family, no children of her own, and had lost her husband of twenty-three years ten months earlier. She was lonely and fearful that she would always remain so.
Desperate for companionship, Mabel decided to advertise for a partner. She knew other women whose solicitation for a spouse had been answered and a handful of those were fortunate enough to marry the men who replied. Mabel wondered if she would be as lucky. Blinking away tears, she decided the time was right to submit an ad to the popular publication The New Plan. Perhaps an equally lonely gentleman would read the personal plea and seek her out. Perhaps she would find love again.
Helping eligible men and women find one another, correspond, and marry was the main goal of The New Plan. Published in Kansas City, Missouri, the magazine’s purpose was to unite lonely hearts, with various monetary and social backgrounds, who were unable to find a desirable life partner.
Ladies especially, whose opportunities are somewhat limited as to forming acquaintances, seek the method (proposed in The New Plan) knowing that in no other way have they so much advantage. Don’t think because you are not wealthy yourself that you cannot get a rich party to marry you. Love is not measured in lucre. Morality, fidelity, respectability, ambition and beauty often tip the opposing weight of wealth on the matrimonial scale. Women in affluent circumstances are not usually seeking an increase of wealth in marriage. The self-respecting man of means, in seeking a wife is not seeking her for the property she may have.
We get many inquiries from both sexes who have plenty of means for two and who seek life companions of true worth and not for means. We do business with such people constantly and know whereof we speak.
The New Plan Notice—1917
A list of the magazine’s aims and methods of business were listed on the back cover of each edition. The simple and easy-to-follow plan promised speedy and satisfactory results for all who submitted an advertisement.
Our time and money is devoted entirely to the interest of the unmarried; to elevate and promote the welfare of marriageable people and furnish a safe, reliable and confidential method at a nominal cost, whereby good honorable people, of sincere and moral intentions, may better enable themselves to become acquainted with a large number of such people of the opposite sex as they may deem worthy of consideration, which may lead to their future happiness and prosperity.
The New Plan—1917
The personal ads listed in the publication were genuine, and ladies whose advertisements were published signed a statement in which they agreed to answer every letter received from interested gentlemen readers who enclosed postage, either accepting or declining correspondence.
The cost for each advertisement was $1.00. The magazine’s editors boasted that this offer was “the greatest bargain in the world for the money.”
Three unidentfied mail-order brides show off their assets in hopes of attracting marriageable men.
NEVADA COUNTY SEARLS HISTORICAL LIBRARY
The New Plan was in circulation from 1911 to 1917. The following are samples of advertisements found in the September 1917 edition of the periodical. The first advertisement was submitted by Mabel Haskell.
I am a lonely, unencumbered widow; age 48; weight 165; height, 5 feet 6 inches; big blue eyes; brown hair; fair complexion; American; religion, Methodist. I have property worth $30,000. A sunny disposition; considered very good looking. Would like to hear from some good business man. Object, matrimony.
A very stylish and attractive widow by death, with property worth $3,000. Age 33; weight, 125; height, 5 feet 5 inches; blue eyes; brown hair; complexion, fair; American; good housekeeper and cook. Would marry if I can find a congenial companion. Either city or country life. Will answer all letters containing stamps. Will inherit $6,000.
I am a good looking young lady, a brunette, with velvet brown eyes, brown hair and fair complexion; height, 5 feet 6 inches; weight 141; age, 20. I have a college education and am highly accomplished in music and voice. Have a kind and cheerful disposition and am a lover of home and children. Have means of $20,000 and income of $100 per month. I desire the acquaintance of good moral men. Any age.
I do not pose as a beauty, but people tell me that I look well. Enjoy fun and social gatherings. Age, 27; weight 138; height, 64 inches; brown eyes; brown hair; fair complexion; American; very good disposition; plain dresser, but neat. Prefer country life. Income $20 per month. Matrimonially inclined
Everybody says that I’m fine looking for my age; am honest, intelligent, neat and clean, kind-hearted and have a good character. Age, 58; weight, 120; height 5 feet 2 inches; blue eyes; brown hair; fine homemaker. Income, $200 per year. Have real estate worth $4,000. Object matrimony. Will answer all letters.
A winsome miss of 22; very beautiful, jolly and entertaining; fond of home and children; from good family; American; Christian; blue eyes; golden hair; fair complexion; pleasant disposition; play piano. Will inherit $10,000. Also have means of $1,000. None but men of good education need to write from 20 to 38 years of age.
Would like to get married, because I’m lonesome. Am considered rather good looking and of a lovable disposition. Age, 35; height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight 145; hazel eyes; brown hair; American; occupation, stenographer and bookkeeper. Will inherit a few thousand. Will answer all letters.
Society has no charms for me; prefer a quiet life. Am an American lady, with common school education; well thought of and respected; age, 25; height 5 feet 9 inches; weight, 155; blue eyes; light hair. Have means of $3,000. Wish correspondence with good natured, honest, industrious man.
A perfect blonde; trained nurse, wishes to make the acquaintance of a nice young gentlemen, view to matrimony; age 23, weight 124, height 5 feet 3 inches; German-American; college education, very neat dresser; will answer all letters.
Who will be the first to write to this lady of 33 years, weight 100, height 5 feet 2 inches, brown eyes, brown hair, light complexion; occupation dressmaker, fine housekeeper and cook; kind, good-natured disposition; would marry if suited. Country life preferred.
Dear old men, here is your chance to get a true loving companion. I am a widow by death; age 69 years, but don’t look or feel or act over 40; always in good humor, very loving and kind; a good housekeeper, weight 104, height 5 feet 2 inches, blue eyes, brown hair, nationality German; would like to meet some congenial gentlemen near my own age, with means enough to make a good home.
Hello, all you widowers and bachelors, right this way if you are looking for a companion; here she is, age 60, weight 100, height 4 feet 11 inches; black eyes, dark hair, American; Golden Rule religion, jolly and good natured; have means of $3,000; wish a husband with some means, city or country, age from 50 to 75; will answer all letters.
Boys, I am a lonesome little girl, alone in the world and earning my own living and am tired of doing so; my age is 20 years, weight 145, height 5 feet 3 inches, blue eyes, dark hair, good housekeeper, am considered good looking, have some means, also piano; common school education; prefer country life; will marry if suited; no Catholics need to write.
Am well known and respected by all; American; Golden Rule religion; age 19, weight 132, height 5 feet 3 inches; dark brown eyes, brown hair, olive complexion; live with my parents; high school education; very musical and trained voice; have means of $6,000; also will inherit; want to become acquainted with moral men, suitable age.
Who wants to correspond with a jolly little blonde, a lover of peace and harmony; always tries to make others happy; age 22, weight 115, height 5 feet 2 inches, light hair, blue eyes, fair complexion; wish to hear from true, honest gentlemen of good character. All worthy letters answered.
Would like to hear from a man of good business ability and of neat, personal appearance. I am 33 years of age, weight 117, height 5 feet 4 inche
s, blue eyes and brown hair, American, common school education, good personal appearance, fond of home and children, do not care for society, have property worth $1,000.
Here is a pretty blonde with pretty blue eyes; very fair complexion; good education; modest by occupation; age 28; weight, 160; height 5 feet 9 inches; very neat and fond of home. Wish to hear from business man or farmer with his own farm. Lover of home and children. Will answer all letters. Will inherit.
Gentlemen, I am in earnest; would like to hear from men of good character and reputation who need and would appreciate a good trustworthy woman; am 45 years old, weight 130, height 5 feet 5 inches, blue eyes, black hair; nationality Mexican; have property worth $500; will inherit $2,000. Will correspond for matrimony.
Here comes a sweet lady from the land of flowers and sunshine; age 35; weight 150, height 5 feet 8 inches; brown eyes, brown hair, rosy complexion; a musician, occupation, real estate. Have income also some means. Object matrimony.
I am in every way qualified to appreciate and care for a good partner and home. Am healthy, of neat appearance, affectionate and genial disposition. Age 20, weight 123, height 5 feet 5 inches, dark brown eyes and hair. Thoroughly competent in housework and farming. Will inherit. Answer all letters.
