Scam designers caused a scandal that lots of papers went with, and personals disappeared practically immediately as general public attitudes became more cautious. Phishing, fake pages, and advertisements for escorts keep on with this tradition today.
Early 1900s: The Lonely Rural Farmers, Ranchers and Shepherds round the change for the century that is last individual adverts enjoyed a renaissance of appeal, particularly within the Western United States with low populations and also the harsh realities of rural life with out a partner. (Farmers just continues the legacy to locate “where all of the nation girls are” today.)
Some really pragmatic types of very very early twentieth century personals:
HOUSEKEEPER: 18 to 30 years of age, desired by widower, 40.