How did the retort "mind your own beeswax" come about?

unterkircher

http://www.idiomsite.com/beeswax.htm When colonial women made candles they had to be careful not to get their hair or dresses burnt as they stood close to the fire and hot wax. If someone commented on the job another was doing this phrase was a way of saying take care of your own business. Also, ages ago, women put beeswax on their faces to keep them smooth. If they sat too close to the fire the wax would start to melt and they might be told to mind their own beeswax. May 18 11, 1:06 PM