What does "Mrs" mean when used with a man's name?
Solution 1:
Mrs was most often used by a woman when married, in conjunction with her husband's first and last names (e.g., Mrs John Smith).
A widow was and still is addressed with the same title as when she was married. Mrs was rarely used before a woman's first name, her maiden name, or a hyphenated surname her husband was not using. For example, Mrs Jane Miller (wife of John Smith), Mrs Jane Smith, or Mrs Jane Miller-Smith were considered incorrect by many etiquette writers, especially of the early 20th century.
Wikipedia
Solution 2:
Josh61 is 100% right, however, I would like to point out that even today, in formal circumstances especially, it's still custom and valid to address a wife as Mrs. [Husband Name].
My wife goes by:
- Heather Cotey - 70% of the time (the default)
- Mrs. Heather Cotey - In communication that relates to just her but is slightly formal
- Mrs. Robert D. Cotey II - In any communication that relates to her, formally, as the female head of the household. (Matron, Mother, Wife)
- Mr. And Mrs. Robert D. Cotey II - In any formal communication that relates to both of us in just about any way.
I don't think we have been introduced, formally, as Robert and Heather Cotey at any time. Though, in less formal settings, we have been introduced as:
- Heather and her husband, Robert
- Robert and his wife, Heather
- Robert and Heather
- The Coteys - When in a casual family orientated setting.
- Mr. and Mrs. Cotey - This is most common, non-formal, non-personal introduction (think business or similar where you're not being friendly)
It's important to note that these days it has a lot to do with the circles you run in and how you present yourself. Just in general, I am usually called Mr. Cotey by nearly everyone I do business with. My wife is Mrs. Cotey. When conducting business, it's rare that we go by our first names. When hanging out with friends and family, Heather and Robert are pretty common.
Point being that the usage you listed is still in use today, and you may run into it again. Especially in formal situations.
Solution 3:
Mr. John Smith is the husband, while Mrs. John Smith is the wife.
However, this usage has fallen by the wayside over time, as females were recognized as people and not property, got the right to vote and own land, etc.
Similarly, while Master John Smith is used for a male child, and Miss Jane Smith is used for an unmarried female of any age, the current usage tends toward "Ms." for both married and unmarried females.
Times change, and English usage changes over time to reflect that.