Divorce News and Records, Allen Co., Indiana

Some of the cases listed were dismissed and others resulted in divorce decrees.

1891

Fort Wayne Sentinel

• 8 Jan 1891 Today Emma Williamson instituted proceedings in superior court for a divorce from Banjamin F. Williamson. The couple married in 1884. It is alleged that the defendant abandoned the plaintiff four years ago and has failed to provide means of support for her in any shape or manner. She asks custody of her four children on the ground that their father is wholly unfit to care for them.
• 12 Jan 1891 Anna Peters wants a divorce. In the complaint she charges her husband, George Peters, with cruel treatment, immoral conduct, and failure to provide for her. She claims the defendant frequently beat her, at a recent time throwing her across the floor in such a violent manner that she suffered dangerous injury by striking against a bureau. The couple was married June 6, 1888, and lived together until January 5, the present year.
• 12 Jan 1891 Mary Rensberger has entered suit for a divorce from Alpheus Rensberger. Failure to provide and other charges are in the complaint.
• 17 Jan 1891 Sarah Amos enters suit in superior court for a divorce. Abandonment, failure to provide, etc., are charged in the complaint.
• 24 Jan 1891 The divorce case of Magdalene Schwartz against Christian Schwartz remains unsettled.
• 24 Jan 1891 Phoebe Dennison against John Dennison, divorce granted and plaintiff given custody of her children, Daisy and Joel.
• 24 Jan 1891 Mary Rensberger was granted a divorce from Alpheus Rensberger, the plaintiff given custody of her child, Blanche.
• 24 Jan 1891 Elnora V. Stevens charges her husband, Simon P. Stevens, with cruelty and wants a divorce.
• 24 Jan 1891 In the circuit court, Arthur Adkins filed suit for a divorce from Danett Adkins, charging her with abandonment.
• 30 Jan 1891 In the circuit court, Sarah Amos sues Jasper Amos for a divorce.

• 2 Feb 1891 In the circuit court, Ella Layton was granted a divorce from Timothy Layton.
• 3 Feb 1891 John H. Zurbuch commences action in the circuit court for a divorce from Carrie Zurbuch, alleging abandonment and asking for custody of the children.
• 9 Feb 1891 Elmyria Stevens was granted a divorce from Rev. S. P. Stevens on the grounds of cruelty. Stevens had left his wife and is now living in Michigan. The parties live in Monroeville.
• 16 Feb 1891 Mary Ann Pickle sues John Pickle for a divorce, custody of the child and $200 alimony.
• 16 Feb 1891 Ada Woods sues Milton B. Woods for a divorce and custody of the children.
• 16 Feb 1891 In the superior court, Josephine Soudermont has commenced suit for a divorce from Francis Soudermont.

• 11 Mar 1891 In the circuit court, Emma McDonald sues Nelson McDonald for divorce.
• 23 Mar 1891 Michael O'Shaughnessy sues for a divorce from Johanna O'Shaughnessy alleging abandonment.
• 28 Mar 1891 A divorce was granted this morning in the circuit court to Ella Leighton from Timothy Leighton. The testimony was sensational.
• 28 Mar 1891 Eliza B. McClane sues Samuel McClane in the circuit court for a divorce. Habitual drunkenness is charged.
• 30 Mar 1891 The divorce case of John Zurbach against Carrie Zurbach has been settled and the couple will let by-gones be by-gones and live happily together again.

• 9 Apr 1891 Today in circuit court the attorney for the plaintiff, filed a sensational divorce compliant, the title of which is Frances P. Foulks vs. Morgan J. Foulks. The complaint avers that on March 15, 1889, the parties to the suit were married in this county, and they have since resided here. The defendant must answer to wholesale charges, among them being cruel treatment and failure to provide. It is alleged that the husband left his wife and an infant child last September and that on their farm in Pleasant township the mother could barely manage to sustain herself and the babe, while he remained in Fort Wayne and drove a street car. The latest act charged against the defendant is that he authorized his father and mother and brother to go to the home of the plaintiff and remove the household goods and nearly everything from the farm. The details of the complaint are shocking. The plaintiff asks for a divorce, custody of her child and $800 alimony.
• 10 Apr 1891 Michael O'Shaughnessy was today granted a divorce from Hannah O'Shaughnessy in the circuit court on grounds of desertion. The defendant has not lived with her husband for two years.
• 10 Apr 1891 Magdalena Schwartz vs. Christian Schwartz is certified in the circuit court.
• 10 Apr 1891 In the superior court yesterday, the marriage of John A. Wilson and Susan Wilson was declared void. They had one child which was given to Henry Brown. An attachment was taken out for the same in the circuit court today.
• 10 Apr 1891 Morgan Foulks was enjoined from disposing of his property pending a suit for divorce and the recovery of $800 alimony.
• 16 Apr 1891 A prisoner in Justice Wilkinson's court this morning was Lotta Martin. She had been arrested on a warrant charging her with assault and battery on her husband, Jacob Martin, who attained some notoriety a week or two ago by walking in the one hundred hour walking contest at the World's museum. The testimony in the case showed a chapter of domestic life that should be a warning to the young man who is contemplating matrimony and carries with it the moral that a man should never marry a woman "who is a better man physically than myself." Martin and his wife were married several years ago. Both of them at that time were familiar with the joys and sorrows of matrimonial life, but in spite of their experience, it was not long before their incompatibility of temper caused a separation and divorce. They found, however, that they could not live apart and they were soon remarried. Another divorce followed and about a year ago they were married for the third time. Mr. and Mrs. Martin live at No. 2 Madison Street. This morning one of their little "love spats" occurred at the breakfast table, when they began quarrelling about some of Mrs. Martin's old lovers. Hot words flew thick and fast and Mrs. Martin's ire was aroused to the highest pitch when her husband called her several pet names. She is a big, strong, healthy-looking woman, 5 feet 10 inches high and weighs nearly 200 pounds, while he is smaller and lighter in weight. Their quarrel lasted some twenty minutes, when Mrs. Martin , picking "her hubby" up in her arms, carried him over to a bed, which stood in one side of the room, and administered a good, sound thrashing to him. Not content with this, when he had succeeded in extricating himself from her grasp, she got after him with a potato masher. It was then that Martin yelled, "murder," "police." "She is going to kill me." Help! Help! Help! And his cries brought a dozen or more women living in the vicinity to the scene. They succeeded at last in quieting down the "Female Amazon" and Martin escaped further chastisement. The judge fined her $13.50. In spite of their quarrel this morning, the law suit and fine, the two will settle their difficulty and live together again.
• 20 Apr 1891 In circuit court, a suit filed for Charles Beard against Melissa Beard. The petition states that the parties were married in 1884 in Lincoln County and three months afterward the defendant abandoned him. He wants a divorce.
• 21 Apr 1891 Amanda J. Tumbleson was granted a divorce from Walter H. Tumbleson in the superior court yesterday. The plaintiff first asked that the vows be annulled on account of her extreme youth when married but that was changed to cruelty. The case was decided in the plaintiff's favor.

• 4 May 1891 Rachel Taylor commences suit for divorce in superior court against Frank P. Taylor.
• 8 May 1891 Yesterday, Joseph A. Burger filed papers in the superior court asking for a divorce from his wife, Maggie A. Burger. He claims that on May 5, 1889, she abandoned his home and refused to live with him. Burger is a barber and for a long time has been employed at the Randall Hotel.
• 11 May 1891 About ten years ago a well-known practicing physician of this city, Dr. B. P. Stevens, went to Monroeville and under the license of a local preacher, expounded religion to the residents of that place for several consecutive months. He returned to Fort Wayne and went west, leaving his wife at Monroeville. Recently Mrs. Stevens procured a divorce in the Allen county court on the grounds of desertion and failure to provide. It transpires that the amorous doctor has wife number two living in the west and further investigation reveals circumstances which go to show that Dr. Stevens, on account of his peculiar methods, has sought seclusion in Canada or some other distant clime.
• 12 May 1891 Sarah Lee sues George D. Lee for a divorce and $1500 alimony. The defendant resigned from the police force a week ago and family troubles may have prompted his exit. It is said the charges against him are cruelty and neglect. Mr. Lee owns a farm west of town.
• 12 May 1891 Rosetta Miller files a petition in the circuit court asking for a divorce from her husband, George Miller. Cruel treatment and abandonment are alleged. The plaintiff resides in Leo, in the county.
• 22 May 1891 Joseph Burger was granted a divorce from Maggie E. Burger. The plaintiff is employed at the barber shop of Gloeckle and Browand.
• 30 May 1891 Clara Moon was granted a divorce from her husband, Christopher Moon. The Sentinel told the other day how Moon drove his wife and children out in the storm last Monday night when he returned home from a drunken spree.

• 2 Jun 1891 The case of Sarah Lee against George Lee for a divorce came up in the circuit court this morning. A settlement was agreed upon and the case was dismissed.
• 4 Jun 1891 Today, J. Sion Smith, the ex water works trustee, commenced an action in the circuit court for a divorce from his wife, Alice M. Smith. The petition in the case could not be found on file in the clerk's office when the reporter was making his rounds of the courts. The petition is now safely stowed away in the attorney's inside coat pocket.
• 18 Jun 1891 John B. Roy files suit for divorce from Justina Roy.
• 19 Jun 1891 Catherine Hofer commences proceedings in the superior court for a divorce from John Hofer. John Hofer was fined $10 and costs yesterday for treating his family, consisting of a wife and three children, in an inhuman manner. He would get drunk and beat the children, his wife, and then curse them all in a terrible manner. He was sent to jail for 21 days.
• 27 Jun 1891 Carrie Sharran enters a suit against John Sharran for divorce.
• 27 Jun 1891 Sophia Seacrist asks for a divorce from Harvey Seacrist.
• 29 Jun 1891 Jennie Barlow vs. John Barlow, filed for a divorce, desertion and failure to provide are the charges. The neglected wife resides in Nebraska with her family of four children who are dependent upon her. His whereabouts are unknown.

• 9 Jul 1891 Sophia Seacrist has been granted a divorce from Henry Seacrist in the superior court.
• 9 Jul 1891 In the superior court yesterday a divorce was granted to Amanda Highlen from James Highlen. The plaintiff was given the custody of a child.
• 9 Jul 1891 The first circuit court was held in the (Allen) county on the 9th August, 1824. The first application for divorce in the county occurred during this term. The parties were Anna Canada and Nathaniel Canada. At the next term of court, the divorce was granted at Anna's cost. The next divorce case was that of Polly Robertson against Thomas Robertson but it did not come to trial. Polly relented and withdrew the petition and the case was dismissed at her cost.
• 9 Jul 1891 Samuel Robacker divorced his wife Mattie on February 20th at Upper Sandusky. Things however were patched up and yesterday morning Mr. Robacker came down from Fort Wayne where he is engaged in business and remarried his wife. They left for Fort Wayne immediately.
• 10 Jul 1891 John B. Roy against Justine Roy for divorce was tried in superior court yesterday. Both parties reside near Academie in the county and are over 65 years of age. They had experienced the joys and sorrows of married life before their last marriage. On the 15th day of last January, they were married by the priest at Academie. Immediately after the ceremony was performed the newly made wife said to husband: "now , you go to your house and I will go to mine," and in spite of the entreaties of Mr. Roy, this determination the wife adhered to and the two went to their own homes and have not lived together since. This kind of married life the husband did not care to have and accordingly, after a few months, sought out an attorney and a petition for divorce was filed. After hearing the plaintiff and witnesses, the judge granted the divorce. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roy own farms in their own name near Academie and have for a number of years resided in this county. Mrs. Roy did not make an appearance in court when the case was heard yesterday.
• 10 Jul 1891 Another divorce case of considerable interest was that of Sophia Seacrist vs. Henry Seacrist. The parties have resided at 223 Calhoun Street in this city, where they kept a boarding house and saloon. The plaintiff testified that her husband was a drunkard, cruel and neglectful, etc. The judge granted the parties a divorce.
• 11 Jul 1891 The divorce suit of Carrie Sharron against John Sharron has been dismissed. They have agreed to live together again.
• 16 Jul 1891 Erastus McCarthy and his wife Jennie McCarthy….Divorce proceedings will probably be the outcome of the provoke suits.
• 21 Jul 1891 In the circuit court John F. Reiter sues for a divorce from Mary J. Reiter.
• 21 Jul 1891 Rosetta Miller was divorced from John Miller
• 21 Jul 1891 Mrs. Hofer was granted a divorce from her husband, John Hofer, given custody of the children and $250 alimony. Hofer has just been released from jail. He is a habitual drunkard.
• 30 Jul 1891 Tabitha J. Bradley filed suit for a divorce from George H. Bradley. She alleges drunkenness, cruelty and failure to provide.
• 30 Jul 1891 Minnie Hendricks against Henry Hendricks for divorce. They were married in 1877. They have not lived together for two years and he does not contribute to her support. She asks the court to annul the marriage in circuit court.
• 30 Jul 1891 In the superior court, Mary Manning asks for a separation from her husband, Thomas Manning. They married 24 Jan 1870 and they have no children. She says that he is a drunkard.

• 3 Aug 1891 James E. Rear brings suit in the superior court for a divorce from Catherine Rear.
• 4 Aug 1891 Mary J. Reiter brings an action in the superior court for a divorce from John Reiter alleging cruel treatment as a ground for divorce.
• 5 Aug 1891 Addie Sullinger has commenced suit in superior court for a divorce from her husband, Solomon Sullinger. The domestic troubles of these parties have already been aired in the newspapers. They were married several months ago and according to Solomon's story, lived together as happily as two kittens until a man named McNamara entered their home. By presents of candy, peanuts, other edibles, and a costly parasol, McNamara won the affections of Mrs. Sullinger and induced her to leave the home of her husband. Solomon then sought a lawyer and began a civil action against McNamara for $5000 for alienating the affections of his wife. Addie alleges in her petition for a divorce that Sullinger has been guilty of cruelly treating her and has been a very unkind husband. She says that he calls her very naughty names and for this reason she wants the court to give her a divorce, and such a share of Solomon's property as may be deemed right and proper.
• 12 Aug 1891 The Kegg divorce case was continued in the superior court until the September term.
• 20 Aug 1891 Mrs. C. H. Wilhelm divorced her husband last year and remarried at Huntington and will live in Fort Wayne…etc.
• 20 Aug 1891 Mary C. Nesbit sues for a divorce from Isaac Nesbit, charging failure to support.
• 21 Aug 1891 Birdie Brandenburg and her husband, John Brandenburg board at Mrs. Hall's on West Main Street, corner of Harrison. They came to Fort Wayne two weeks ago. She was drunk, probable divorce proceedings...etc.
• 24 Aug 1891 Anna R. Barcus files a petition in superior court for a divorce from her husband, George J. Barcus, who is accused of traveling all over the country with another woman whom he introduces as his wife.
• 25 Aug 1891 The divorce case of James E. Vere(?) against Catherine Vere (?) in superior court has been settled and dismissed.
• 26 Aug 1891 Louisa Sweeney sues for a divorce from Alexander Sweeney alleges abandonment and failure to provide.
• 28 Aug 1891 Matilda Close commenced divorce proceedings in the circuit court against Daniel M. Close, alleging failure to support and cruelty. They were married in July 1885.

• 3 Sep 1891 The divorce proceedings of Mary Rosenberger vs Charles Rosenberger have been dismissed by request of the parties themselves.
• 9 Sep 1891 Mary C. Nesbit was granted a divorce from Isaac Nesbit.
• 9 Sep 1891 In the superior court Rachel Taylor was granted a divorce from Frank Taylor.
• 9 Sep 1891 Lydia Rodgers sues for a divorce in the circuit court from Alexander Rodgers.
• 18 Sep 1891 Mary A. Treaser was granted a divorce from Nicholas Treaser.
• 21 Sep 1891 Julia E. Noble commences action in superior court for a divorce from her husband, John E. Noble, the well-known electrician. The petition has been hidden therefore the reporter cannot report the charges.
• 21 Sep 1891 Eva Antrim sues Patrick Antrim for a divorce. Willful absence and failure to provide are reasons given in the petition.
• 23 Sep 1891 Mary Ball was granted a divorce in the superior court from Charles E. Ball on grounds of abandonment.
• 23 Sep 1891 Carrie Dostorman sues for a divorce from William Dostorman, alleging abandonment.
• 23 Sep 1891 Jeanette Barlow was granted a divorce from John R. Barlow. The plaintiff is given the custody of the children.
• 28 Sep 1891 Julia E. Noble vs John E. Noble for a divorce was dismissed. The parties settled their differences and will reside together.
• 29 Sep 1891 Henry Wolff sues for a divorce from his wife, Lena Wolff, alleging cruel and inhuman treatment.
• 30 Sep 1891 Two divorce cases will be tried Friday in the circuit court; Jones vs Jones and Heerschee vs Heerschee.

• 1 Oct 1891 Minnie Hendricks was granted a divorce from Henry Hendricks.
• 1 Oct 1891 Sallie C. Watkins sues for a divorce from Lewis T. Watkins alleging cruelty.
• 2 Oct 1891 The circuit court this afternoon is the hearing of two divorce cases-Matilda Close against William Close and Margaret Herschey vs. Herman Herschey.
• 3 Oct 1891 In the circuit court yesterday, Matilda J. Close was granted a divorce from Daniel M. Close. The charge was abandonment.
• 3 Oct 1891 The divorce case of Mary M. Jones against William H. Jones was dismissed yesterday. The couple settled their differences.
• 7 Oct 1891 In the circuit court, Hannah Bollinger was given a divorce from Jacob Bollinger.
• 8 Oct 1891 Julia H. Waters has commenced an action in the circuit court against James Waters for divorce. The complaint, which has been locked away to keep the content from the eyes of reporters, is somewhat sensational and among other things alleges drunkenness.
• 12 Oct 1891 Cora V. Everitt brings suit for a divorce from Samuel W. Everitt. The petition alleges that the parties were married in 1884 and lived together until 1891when the plaintiff left the defendant on account of his drunkenness and cruelty since which time she maintained herself and son, now six years old. She asks for custody of the child.
• 12 Oct 1891 William Van Horn asks the court for a divorce from Anna Van Horn. He says in his petition that they were married last May and lived together until August when by reason of the wife's cruel and inhuman conduct, her neglect of household affairs and her association with improper and immoral characters, he left her. He says that for several days at a time his wife would absent herself from home and leave him to cook his own meals when he came home from work. Both parties reside in this city.
• 19 Oct 1891 Frank S. Lightfoot has filed in the circuit court today for a legal separation from May P. Lightfoot on grounds of desertion. The plaintiff is a bookkeeper at Bass Foundry. The defendant will be remembered as Miss Mazie Dillon.
• 27 Oct 1891 Pauline Bercot sues for a divorce from Chas. Bercot alleging abandonment.
• 30 Oct 1891 The Sheriff received papers to serve upon an individual known as Huckleberry Queen, living in the vicinity of the city. The papers are notice to the woman that her husband is seeking a divorce.

• 4 Nov 1891 William Van Horn was granted a divorce from Anna Van Horn.
• 13 Nov 1891 Van Horn vs. Van Horn, a replevin case commenced is the finale in the divorce proceedings had by the parties in the circuit court. The goods replevied caused considerable merriment for the officers. They consisted of Annie Van Horn's wardrobe.
• 13 Nov 1891 Emma Gaskill sues Burvillous Gaskill for divorce alleging cruelty and inhuman treatment. She seeks alimony also.
• 16 Nov 1891 The divorce case of McClure vs. McClure is on trial in the circuit court.
• 17 Nov 1891 Considerable interest was manifested in the divorce proceedings between Eliza B. McClave against Samuel P. McClave in the circuit court. The courtroom was crowded and the witnesses subpoenaed on either side were numerous and the case was finally adjusted by granting a divorce to the plaintiff together with $300 alimony.
• 17 Nov 1891 The Bluffton Bugle says "A. L. Sharpe went to Fort Wayne this morning to appear as plaintiff's attorney in the divorce case of Mrs. Belle McClave vs. Pat McClave, former Liberty Center saloonist".
• 19 Nov 1891 Papers were filed in the circuit court yesterday in which Christiana Miller asks for a divorce from George Miller. Mrs. Miller alleges that George is constitutionally averse to working and for some time past has failed to provide for her.
• 27 Nov 1891 The divorce case of Gaskill against Gaskill was called up in the superior court this afternoon.

• 16 Dec 1891 In the divorce suit of Frank S. Lightfoot against Mary P. Lightfoot mentioned yesterday, the defendant was given $1000 alimony and custody of the children given to the plaintiff.
• 18 Dec 1891 Josiah F. Henry filed a complaint in the Huntington circuit court for a divorce from Mary A. Henry. The couple were married in November 1885 but separated in 1889 in Fort Wayne and abandonment is charged.
• 19 Dec 1891 Christ Miller was given a divorce in the circuit court from Mary Miller.

Some of the cases listed were dismissed and others resulted in divorce decrees.