It was 1873. People spoke and wrote differently - usually more verbosely. It also depends what context the quote has been lifted from. I think your version is e

It was 1873. People spoke and wrote differently - usually more verbosely. It also depends what context the quote has been lifted from. I think your version is excellent if you're 'trying' to write a new aphorism or idiom. But perhaps this formed part of a longer passage where its clauses felt more 'necessary'.