Man with 9 sheep and perfect teeth sought a wife in 1800s ad — his promises are making Gen Z women swoon

People had a different way of living in the 19th century and different wants and needs compared to a 21st-century person. So, obviously, their matrimonial ads were quite different too. However, one particular such ad from the 19th century has caught people's attention on the internet, having them fixate on the kind of behavior prevalent in those times. It was put out by an 18-year-old man looking for a wife, mentioning some interesting attributes and impressive lines, according to a post by u/SatyamRajput004. The ad has struck a chord online, especially with Gen Z women, who are tired of dating in the current age. Many commented they would take the man in a heartbeat, with some even going as far as to say they'd be happy to give their number.   

"Chance for a spinster," the headline read. "A young man in Aroostook County, Maine, advertising for a wife, speaks of himself as follows: 'I am eighteen years old, have a good set of teeth and believe in Andy Johnson, the star-spangled banner and the 4th of July.'" The man had also taken up a state lot and cleared 18 acres of land and seeded "10 of it down." He added, "My buckwheat looks first rate and the oats and potatoes are a bully." The 18-year-old shared that he had 9 sheep, a 2-year-old bull and 2 heifers, besides a house and a barn. He also mentioned that he wanted to get married and buy certain things for his wife.

"I want to get married. I want to buy bread and butter, hoop skirts and waterfalls for someone of female persuasion during life," he expressed. "That's what's the matter with me. But I don't know how to do it," the copy ended. People shared their thoughts on the ad in the comments section of the thread.

u/Lumpy_Ad002 wrote, "Damn, that guy worked hard. Clear and seed 18 acres and start up your own farm by the age of 18? Makes me tired just thinking about it. 18 acres is a plot of land 900 feet on a side (if square)." u/PM_ME_YOUR_WEIRD_PET remarked, "I think this works so well because he's presenting himself and what makes him an attractive potential partner, rather than a lot of dating profiles nowadays which are just a list of all the things the person doesn't want, with barely information about why you should want them." u/Tardigradequeen shared, "This is so cute! I hope he found himself a wife and they both lived happily together!"

u/Any_Veterinarian3749 commented, "A 2025 equivalent: Chance for a Partner — A young man from rural Ohio is advertising for a wife. He writes: 'I’m 18, have a half-decent smile and I believe in Wi-Fi, oat milk and the democratic process. I’ve got a leased 2016 Subaru, a remote tech internship and a YouTube channel with 300 subscribers. I’ve secured a 10x10 bedroom in a shared rental with three roommates and two cats. I know how to cook five solid meals, my succulents are thriving and I’ve only missed therapy twice this year. I want to get married. I want to buy boba, thrifted sweaters. I want to share a Netflix account, build IKEA furniture without arguing (too much) for someone of the female persuasion to enjoy while we watch niche documentaries and overanalyze memes together. That’s what’s the matter with me. But I don’t know how to do it.'"