When genealogy posts are over analyzed as politcal or mortally serious, you may miss the humor intended. So, if you don't laugh at this story, but instead focus its legal implications, you're missing the fun of it all. Barb NYC Researcher>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> " Marriage Engagement Broken. A Suitor's Behavior on Learning That She Had False Teeth. Date: November 3 1879 Newspaper published in: St. Louis, Mo. Dr. PRESTON, a dentist of Wayland, made a set of teeth three years ago for Miss Rosa ROBERTS, of Blood's. Last week Miss ROBERTS went to Wayland on a visit. She was engaged to be married to a resident of that place. While she was there Dr. PRESTON called to see her, and inquired how her teeth were lasting. She handed them to him, and he put them in his pocket, saying, "You can have those teeth when you pay me for them." Miss ROBERTS was not able to pay for them just then, and Dr. PRESTON carried them away. That night the man who promised to make Miss ROBERTS his wife called to see her, and she sent word down that she could not see him that evening. He insisted upon an explanation, and Miss ROBERT's friends explained. The gentleman went away. Next day he wrote to Miss ROBERTS that he did not know she wore false teeth, and that he could not marry a woman who wore them. Miss ROBERTS fancies that she can recover $5,000 from Dr. PRESTON for the loss of a husband, and for annoyance growing out of his taking her teeth from her, and, moreover, that she can recover damages from her late suitor in a breach of promise suit. Some time ago Dr. PRESTON made a set of teeth for Rev. W. W. HOLT, of Blood's. The minister did not pay for them when the bill was due. The dentist called to see him, and said that he thought there was something wrong with his teeth. Mr. HOLT handed his teeth to Dr. PRESTON, who pocketed them and walked away. The minister called on the dentist next day and settled. " Source: http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/link.php?action=detail&id=69085