Newman Hamlin Matthews

I found this story in the ROCKFORD REPUBLIC newspaper dated October 12, 1907. The article is titled Hangs Out Sign For A Wife. Chicago Man disgusted with "senseless Formalities" Puts Out Shingle. Chicago, October 12. Disgusted with "Senseless Formalities" which hedge about the selection of a wife, N.H. Matthews, a widower 50 years old, yesterday settled the courtship question in a manner which he believes will save him much trouble. With Mr. Matthews system all that is necessary is that the husband-to-be sit in his own parlor and view the candidates as the come before him. While he realized that he is establishing a precedent he says that he is confident that it is the only thing for him to do. Having settled the question to his own satisfaction, Mr. Matthews placed a placard bearing the following inscription in the front window of his home, 1305 North Halsted Street, along with the ice and milk cards. "A widower living within Wants a wife. Ladies if you want a husband inquire within at once." N.H. Matthews. The appearance of the card created something of a sensation along the street, especially among the women of marriageable age. Cards reciting the wants of inmates of flats in the vacinity told of everything that might be lacking from bread to hired girls, but that a swain should seek his affinity in such a seemingly reckless manner seemed novel. It was not long before Mr. Matthews learned that it paid to advertise. Among the passersby was a neatly attired woman who glanced at the sign, hesitated, started back, hesitated again and at last ventured up and rang the door bell. Matthews appeared. "I beg your pardon, but I noticed your advertisement" began the applicant by way of introduction. "Oh, yes," answered Matthews. "Just step into my parlor." Will you please tell me something about the place--that is--er--I mean you?" asked the woman. "Why, yes" replied Matthews. My wife died about six months ago and I have found that the housekeepers you get about the city care nothing about a man's children. I must have someone that will be a mother to my children and I believe that the way to get that person is to marry her. "I want a good, motherly woman about 35 years old--about your age. I want a woman that could love me and I am sure that I could learn to love her." "How many children are there?" was the next question. "I have six. There are but four little ones at home however." said Matthews. Up to that moment the applicant had appeared to lean toward accepting the position, strange as it was. But, then her face fell. "Why I hadn't thought of any children." she said. "I don't know. Could I see them?" A moment later two of the four children were in the room. "They certainly are sweet little things. But I don't know. I'll tell you. I'll write if I think better of the matter. Good-by."