A Song from the 1860's

Found among our original documents, is a paper with the lyrics to an old song from the 1860's

The Charming Young Widow

I was born in New Jersey. One morning last summer

I received a dispatch that my uncle was dead.

And it also requested I should come to the city

For a large sum of money was left me they said.

Of course I determined to go on the journey

The very next train of cars I did take.

For had I stayed over I ne’er should encountered

That charming young widow I met on the train

The widow and I side by side sat together

The seat it contained but us two and no more.

Till silence was broken by my fair companion

Who inquired the time by the watch that I wore.

I soon satisfied her and then conversation

Was opened and freely discussed by us both.

Till my brain fairly swirled I became so enchanted

With this charming young widow I met on the train

Some minutes elapsed. We arrived at the station

Within a few miles of that great busy town.

When my fair one remarked as she looked from the window

Good Gracious alive sir. There goes Mr. Brown

He’s my late husband’s brother. Oh will you sir kindly

Consent for one moment my child to maintain.

Of course I consented and off from the platform

Tripped this charming young widow I met on the train.

Three minutes elapsed and the signal bell sounded

The cars began moving. No widow appeared.

I cried out “Stop. Stop.” But they paid no attention

With a snort and a jerk started off as I feared.

In this dilemma I sought for the hour

And my watch, oh where was it. Where where was my chain.

My purse and gold pencil and ticket was gone sir

And so was the widow I met on the train.

While thus deeply lamenting the loss of my money

The conductor came round . ‘Your ticket please sir.’

I told him my story while prancing the infant

The loss I sustained but he doubted my word.

He called more officials they gathered around me

Uncovered the infant, how shall I explain

Twas not a real baby but only a “rag one”

This swindling young widow I met on the train!

Satisfied I’d been robbed I took my departure

Although I agreed to settle next day

And now I’d advise all young men from the country

Not to get caught in a similar way

Look out for all widows who ride on the railway

Who dress in deep mourning, whose tears fall like rain

And look out for your money, for fear they resemble

This charming young widow I met on the train.