A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
Having money or property. A lady of means or a gentleman of means was financially comfortable.
| Type | Historical phrase |
|---|---|
| Earliest example in the archive | August 12, 1877, New Orleans Daily Democrat |
| Most common | 1850s to the 1920s |
Money was stated openly in these ads, and on both sides. Men advertised their savings and property, and many asked for a lady of some means in return. Women sought a gentleman of means or one who could provide a comfortable home. A few ads asked for means as the main qualification, like the 1898 Klondike prospector who wanted a lady of some means to accompany him north.
A YOUNG LADY OF MEANS WILL BE pleased to correspond with a young gentleman of position and polished habits. Ultimate object, matrimony. Address E. A. S., Democrat office.
PERSONAL—A YOUNG MAN WITH a good business wishes to form the acquaintance of some lady with some means; object matrimony. Please address, in confidence, B 85, Tribune…
GENTLEMAN, age 30, has rich claim Klondike, wishes lady of some means to accompany him. Box 1479, Call office.
MIDDLE-AGED widow, with some means, is desirous of meeting gentleman, with view to matrimony. Address S 8, Bee.
A WIDOW LADY, STRANGER IN city, well educated, some means, would like to meet a gentleman not over 45; object matrimony; no triflers need answer. Address E-50, Tribune.
AMERICAN GENTLEMAN, 40, with few thousand dollars, would like to correspond with a good kind lady of means. If interested, write Box 353, Manchester, N. H.
I WANT the acquaintance of a young lady for a young gentleman friend of mine. She should be about 22—23 years of age, rather pretty, of medium height, well educated (may…
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