When I saw the line, “advertised for a wife” in the “100 Years Ago” column I knew something was up.  It all started with 3 blurbs from the Frederick News Post in the space of 3 weeks:

A Civil War vet looks for a wife?  Really?  I think I actually laughed out loud.  Then a week later:

Indeed! I wonder if Mrs. Davis found out how he felt about her from the paper?! That might have been awkward.  If that had been me, I would have been miffed!

Then again, on September 16, 2012 in the “100 Years Ago” column:

Ha!  This guy has some gumption!  Seriously… after 3 blurbs I wanted to know “Who IS this guy?  Who is JOHN TROUT?  Why in the world was he looking for a wife in the paper?” And “Really, this is 1912??”  I was consumed with wanting to know more about him! Who knew the Frederick News Post was the original e-harmony.com?

Let me just say I am an avid family historian, affectionately referred to as a “nerd” by my co-workers for my constant interest in ancestry.  At least, I think it’s affectionate (?)  My favorite TV show is “Who Do You Think You Are?”, and I won’t make plans if that show is on.  So….off to the Maryland Room I went to look at original copies of the articles.  I had to find out more about this guy.