“…39 Advertisements were structured around husbands' legal obligations and fell into three main categories, the majority of which did indeed refer to separation. 52 It is becoming apparent that wives ran many service businesses independently, though it is not always clear whether this was due to local custom. In 1749 Thomas Spetch announced in The York Courant, ' Whereas Anne Spetch, the Wife of Thomas Spetch, of Ouse-Bridge, York, has left her said Husband this is to caution all Persons not to trust her hereafter, for that he will not pay any Debts on her Account'.…”