Chicago Daily News, March 5, 1892, page 8

How many genealogists have wished for a window into our ancestors’ lives?

You’d be surprised at the reasons people in the 19th century used personal ads.

Even in large cities, the personals got pretty…well…personal:

Who is C.B.W. and why should he call 214? Did George Eheim encounter someone fraudulently doing business in his name? When did the Shrocks part ways? Who wants Andrew C. Agrin’s address? Why did D. O’Toole strike out on his own?

Personal ads are worth exploring.

Wouldn’t it be cool if you found your ancestors there?