Divorces C-D

C - D - Divorces of Montgomery County, Indiana - News Items

C Divorces

CANARY - Willis

Source: Crawfordsville Review 16 April 1892 p 8

Mrs. Martha Canary through her attorney, Jere West has filed suit for divorce against her husband, Willis Canary. In her complaint Martha alleges that her male companion had been guilty of inhuman treatment by beating, choking, cursing and various other little atrocities too numerous to mention; that on two occasions he drew a knife and threatened to sever her earthy ties and last but not least that Willis has been guilty of flying with birds of other plumage not Canaries which fact alone she deems sufficient reason for the court to grant her request.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 16 April 1892 p 1

Mrs. Martha Canary, through her attorneys, Davidson & West has entered suit for divorce against her husband, Willis Canary. She was put into the same cage with Willis in 1884 but they had not been living together long when Willis began to flap his bright, yellow wings and beat her cruelly. He also choaked her and threatened to shoot her as if she were a common fall black bird. On sundry occasions he also drew a knife and made things exceedingly interesting. Besides all this he made it a common practice to go in pursuit of other birds, not canaries and in short did all manner of even things so the complain alleges. Last January he skipped and Martha has not seen him since.

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 13 May 1892 p 3

This was divorce day in the circuit court but for some reason or other it didn’t pan out as well as expected from a numerical standpoint. A good many didn’t show up having concluded to try connublial bliss another whirl before sundering the ties forever. The first case before the court was that of Mrs. Willis Canary against Willis. Jere West was master of ceremonies and Judge Sellar and Editor Coffman looked most beneficient as they swore that they knew the lady to be a resident of the town. Mrs. Canary said she wished to retain her bird like name but wanted a divorce from Willis just the same. Willis was awfully rough and rude while he lived with her and took especial delight in gadding about town with such frivolous and giddy creatures as Nancy Lightcap. He also was almost tickeled to death with circumstances were such that he could kick the wife of his bosom about the floor in imitation of the college boys whom he had seen playing foot ball on the campus. He also liked to swear at her and choker her for the purpose of changing his luck when the pop corn trade was dull.

“You have a child, have you not, Mrs. Canary? Asked Mr. West – yes, sir. “What is its name?” Jimmie Blaine Canary was the fond mamma’s response. “Is it a boy or a girl?” asked West. But the laugh drowned the response and the divorce was decreed.

Mrs. Rosalie Kenney is quite pretty and she wanted a divorce from harry Kenny who skipped and left her after one month of bliss. She has not heard from him since and the court granted the decree to the joy of Mrs. Kenny (sic) who took her maiden name of Coombs.

The case of AJ Henderson against Phronia Henderson was continued until next term.

The case of Rose Thomas against Frank Thomas was about to be dismissed as the plaintiff had failed of service, but on learning that eight days still remained to get it she went her way rejoicing and unting for the wicked defended.

The case of Alice Shotts against Wesley Shotts was dropped from the docket as the parties had patched up their difficulties.

The case of James Endicott vs. Cora Endicott was called and it was proved conclusively that the worthy Jim was a much abused young man. Cora is beyond question wholly unworthy of his loving kindness and husbandly affection, She before she so cruelly deserted him a year ago used to pass her time swearing at him until he shed great bring tears as big as spring peas. She is now living in Lafayette and as she is in rather shady business the court granted the divorce.

The star case of the day was the suit of Lulu Keesee again Frank Keesee, who until July 9 last, drove the wagon for Hadley & King for $9 a week and very generously lavished $2 of that sum on the sup0port of his wife and four children. He skipped last July and it is supposed left these parts with Mrs. Julia Ashley of Homer, Ill. This Mrs. Ashley was very much infatuated with the altogether adonis like Keesee and several of her amorous letters were read by JR Hanna to the delight and edification of all present. The court actually blushed and finally called a halt in the reading which was rather lively to say the least. The following is one of the choice passages upon which the court found a verdict for the plaintiff: “Oh you sweet-faced Frank! How glad I am when you come so that I can meet you at the door and you can take me in your arms and hug me and kiss me and I can say bless your sweet mouth.” This is one of the tame passages and the letters all pictured Frank as being ravishingly beautiful and captivating. Perhaps he was but as such he was never appreciated in these parts for some strange reason.

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CANINE, Ethel - William

Source: Crawfaordsville Review May 29, 1923 p 1

Three divorces were granted Saturday by the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bruce Henry was given an absolute divorce from Nancy E. Henry on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment. Mrs. Henry failed to appear at the trial. Mr. Henry is of Waynetown and Mrs. Henry a non-resident.

Berda Hennessey was given a divorce from her husband, Charles O. Hennessey on the same grounds. Her maiden name, Berda Owens was restored by the court. Miss Owens is a resident of Crawfordsville.

Ethel Canine was granted a divorce from William Canine, also on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment. The plaintiff was granted the custody of the two small children. The court ordered Canine to pay the plaintiff $6 a week for support of the children - kbz

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CARLISLE, Fannie - David

Source: Weekly Argus News May 18, 1895 p 6

In 1876 when specie payment was resumed David Carlile and Fannie Carlile were married. During the lovely fall weather everything ran along smoothly enough and so continued until three years ago when Fannie in her complaint filed for divorce says David abused her, cursed her, called her vile names and then quit her cold. She says she would endanger health, ahppiness and peace of mind to again live with him and don't want to. She therefore asks for a legal separation and that the court make an order to provide for their 14 years old daughter, Celia. The case will come up this term. - kbz

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CARVER, Callie - Frank

Source: Crawfordsville Daily News-Review 1 Dec 1900 p4

Callie Carver, who some time ago assumed a half interest in the joys and sorrows of Frank Carver has arrived at the conclusion that a single life is preferable to a partnership proposition and accordingly asks the court to let the divorce ax fall. She allegs Frank has been guilty of cruel treatment.

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CARVER, Ora - Wanetah

Source: Crawfordsville Review July 20, 1911 p 1

Judge West will hear Ora Carver explain at 9 o’clock Friday morning why he doesn’t pay his wife $2 a week as the court ordered him sometime ago to give her for their child when they were divorced. Wanetah, the divorced wife says Ora has not complied with the court’s decree and she is tired of waiting for this bit of help, so she has had her attorney, Chase Harding, file a petition with his honor, the judge. Wanetah even intimates that Ora has made a joke of this court order and she proposes to make him take a more serious minded view of the demands of justice from now on.

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CASAD, America - Walter

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 13 March 1896

America Casad has been granted a divorce from Walter S. Casad on the statutry grounds of abandonment. - thanks Kim H
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CASTER (CASTOR), MARY MAUD - FRED

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal,10 January 1902
Mary Maud Caster has filed a suit for divorce from Fred D. Caster, alleging cruel treatment and neglect. - thanks to Kim H

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 24 Jan 1902 p 1
Mary Maude Castor vs. Frederick D. Castor. Divorce. Plaintiff given divorce, custody of 3-month old child, $350 alimony and $2.184 for support of said minor child, $104 per year paid quarterly.

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CHAPMAN, Carrie - Harry

Source: Crawfordsville Review 6 Sept 1890 p 1

Carrie Chapman was yesterday granted a divorce from her husband Harry Chapman. Martha Custer was also released of the care of her husband, Alonzo Custer.

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CHRISTMAN, Gertrude - Harvey

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Argus News June 1, 1895

Judge Harvey yesterday granted a divorce to Gertrude Christman from Harvey N. Christman on the grounds of infidelity. The court ordered that the children, of who m there are three, shall remain in charge of neither of the parents for the present, but shall remain in the homes now provided for them. The eldest, a boy is in the Minnesota Home for Dependent children. The others are in care of relatives. The decree of the court refuses alimony to the wife. It gives each of the parents the right to visit the children. Christman is a well-known traveling man, whose escapades with the notorious Zella Nicolaus caused this action to be begun - Indianapolis Journal

Note: After I typed all this I thought, "This probably isn't even Montgomery related (originally in the Indianapolis Journal) - if anyone knows that it is or is not, please let me know :) kbz

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CLARK, Daisy - Watch (Watson)

Source: Crawfordsville weekly Review 24 March 1910 p 5

Suit for divorce was started in the circuit court this morning by Mrs. Daisy Clark against Watch Clark on the grounds of cruely and non-support. The Watson’s were married in North Carolina in 1904 and lived together but a short time. The complaint states that her husband began his cruel treatment of her shortly after they were wedding and she was forced to leave him as he had threatened to kill her and in other ways abused her. There is one daughter, aged five years of whom the mother asks the custody. Mrs. Clark has been a resident of this section for some time past. Johnston & Johnston are attorneys for the complainant.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review 31 March 1910 p 7

State of Indiana Montgomery County Circuit Court January Term, 1910. Daisy Clark vs. Watson Clark Complain # 16,104. Comes now the plaintiff by Johnston & Johnston her attorneys and files her complaint herein for divorce together with an affidavit that said defendant Watson Clark is not a resident of the state of Indiana. Notice is therefore hereby given said defendant Watson Clark that unless he be and appear on the 39th (sic) day of the April term, 1910 of the Montgomery Circuit Court, the same being the 18th day of May AD 1910 at the Court House in Crawfordsville in said county and state and answer or demur to said complaint, the same will be heard and determined in his absence. Witness my hand and seal of said court, affixed at Crawfordsville this 24th day of March, AD 1910…Edgar A. Rice, Clerk

CLARK, Elizabeth - Milton

Source: Crawfordsville Star March 19, 1885 p1

Elizabeth Clark has been granted a divorce from Milton Clark on the grounds of cruelty and unreasonable conduct. Tomorrow will be divorce day in circuit court with these cases on docket: Mary E vs Highland Beckley; Mary E. vs. James Perdew; Hattie A. vs. JM DePew; Clara B vs. John L. Whitney; Mary E vs. George Matthews; Emily vs. James McBride; Ida vs. James Leadbetter; Winfield vs. Jennie Wert; Jennie vs. John Abbott. This is a pretty fair grist for one day.

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CLARK, Lurie - William

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 22 August 1891 Gunning For a Divorce

Johnston & Johnston today filed a divorce suit against Wm. Clark. The complaint is Lurie B. Clark and she states in her affidavit that her husband deserted her immediately after their marriage in 1878. One child was born and Mrs Clark has had to hustle for both. Clark is a farmer and owns both real estate and personal property in Sugar Creek township. Mrs. Clark want a divorce and sufficient alimony to support herself and child.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 21 November 1891

Judge Harney disposed of his first divorce suit Tuesday with a rapidity of an Illinois court, in which State it is an established fact that all the train brakemen add when they call the names of the county seats, "fifteen minutes for divorce." It was the case of Lora Clark against Wm. Clark, an account of whose trouble appeared in Monday's Journal. Mrs Clark was suing for the support of herself and child in view of the fact that her husband had just fallen heir to some property left by his mother. Clark had been wanting her to get a divorce ever since they were married, and yesterday afternoon when the case came up all parties were called into the Judge's room for consultation. Clark's lawyer there offered Mrs. Clark to deed her Clark's interest in his mother's estate if she would apply for a divorce. She consented, the papers were hurriedly drawn up by her attorneys, the suit filed, the case tried and the divorce granted in the time it takes to tell it. Clark signed the deed and at once skipped out with another young lady to whom he had been paying attention lately and who was greatly broken up over having been subpoenaed as a witness. It is rumored that there will be another marriage soon.- Kim H

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CLEMENS, Neoma - Jefferson

Source: Crawfordsville Review 20 Aug 1892 p 5

Divorce day in the September term of the circuit court promises the usual rich, rare and racy digest.

Mrs. Neoma Clemens has a harrowing tale of woe which she will pour into Judge Harneys sympathetic ear. She alleges in her complaint that she was married to Jefferson Clemens Dec 18, 1883. After living together for two years Jeff abandoned her and has since refused to crack bread at her table, she wants their child, Irene and $300 a year alimony. She is represented by Hanna & Hanna.

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CLEMSON, John - Martha

Source: Crawfordsville Review 4 Oct 1890

A divorce was granted in the circuit court Thursday morning releasing John Clemson from his wife, Martha.

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CLOUSER, Martin - Viola

Source: Crawfordsville Review Tuesday, May 2, 1916

Lebanon Reporter -- Martin L. CLOUSER brought suit Saturday afternoon against Viola Clouser for divorce alleging cruel treatment in that the defendant cursed and struck him. The couple married April 25, 1893. They have 8 children. The plaintiff’s attorney is Ira M. Sharp. - kbz

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COLE, Samuel - Maude

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 21 Sept 1894 p 10

Samuel W. COLE vs. Maude D. Cole. Divorce court finds for cross complainant and grants defendant divorce and restores her maiden name of Maude D. Chase, plaintiff to pay costs. - kbz

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COLEMAN, William - Cordelia
Source: Crawfordsville Star, Feb 2, 1894 p 6

The damage suit of Wm. Coleman vs. Cordelia Coleman is on trial. The divorced wife is charged with burning a barn, destroying stock, etc for the divorced husband - kz

MORE on this crazy one

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 9 Feb 1894

The suit of Wm. Coleman of Sugar Creek township against his divorced wife, Cordelia Coleman, attracted great attention in the circuit court. William was divorced from Cordelia in 1890 and it appears that both of them have some money. After the divorce for two or three years William had bad luck. His house burned, and then his barn, his stock died and his chickens were killed. In the light of recent events he accused Cordelia as being the authoress of his misfortunes and sued her for $2,500 damages. He is represented by Crane & Anderson and she by Thomas & Whittington. The evidence began Thursday afternoon the plaintiff on the stand. His house was burned November 15, 1890 and was started just outside his room as if to attempt to burn him with it. He saved but a few goods. Ed Rider and his wife, Ellen, the illegitimate daughter of Coleman were in the house at the time. On the night of Aug 6, 91 his big barn with all its contents was burned by an incendiary. It held 20 tons of hay, 80 bushels of wheat, two fine horses, two wagons, one buggy, two wheat drills, four sets of harness and other property. A few days after 85 head of hogs died in a suspicious manner, acting as though they had been poisoned. In March 92 some one cut his buggy to pieces with a knife. The following June some one entered his hen house and pulled the heads from the 50 chickens, tossing the heads and bodies in separate piles. One cross-examination Coleman testified that he had importuned his daughter to leave Iowa and come and live with him. This made her husband almost crazy. It was evidently the object of the defense in this cross-examination to insinuate that Rider was the incendiary. Coleman admitted that the hogs might have died of disease. He had suspected the Stookeys, the Pursees and others of being responsible for his misfortunes.

The second witness was a hot detective from Manson, above Colfax, and as he mounted the stand he squinted one eye knowingly and swore to the name of Wm. Morrison. This Morrison is a corker. He is a timber dealer, and as a sort of a side line deals in the detective business. He testified that in July 92 he had visited Mrs. Coleman who was then living alone and stated that he heard she had been “whitecapped” and if so he would like to be employed to hunt the rascals down. She smiled benignly and employed him on the spot for $25. She stated that a night or so before some men had come to her house, broken open the door with a fence rail, dragged her out, tore her clothes about off and attempted to assault her. At this point the knowing witness squinted his eye and remarked, “She allowed as how she could tell one of the men by poking her finger in his mouth. If he couldn’t bite he was guilty. She poked her finger in the mouth of one of them assaulters and as two teeth was gone he couldn’t bite her when he tried to. She said Coleman had two teeth gone.”

The witness testified that he suspected from the first that she was lying as the door had no dents in it so he went home and wrote to Lafayette for a certain Mr. Robinson, a fellow detective (who by the way was not produced in court) to go out and pump the old lady. Robinson did so, and returning he reported that Cordelia had acknowledged to burning Coleman’s house and killing the stock. The witness then waited on her and told her what Robinson had reported. She smilingly acknowledged the same things to him and stated that she had but two regrets, one was that she hadn’t burned Coleman and the second that she could not tell Coleman also had fired the house. She stated that she had filled a pants leg with rags, saturated it with oil and used this as the incendiary torch. She said she had killed the chickens but they couldn’t do anything to her for that as she hadn’t removed the bodies. The cross examination of Morrison was rich and he became very evasive at times. Finally Judge Thomas fired this question at him: “Were you ever in the penitentiary?” – Yes, sir for 9 months. What for? Well, for telling the truth. “You’ll never go there for that in this case,” snapped the Judge as the great truth teller shambled off the stand.

Mrs. Kate Stookey is the mother of Wes Pursee. She has known Cordelia for 14 years and until her trouble with Wes they were quite intimate. She sided with Cordelia in her divorce suit and Cordelia had told her that she would like to destroy Coleman’s property. She threatened to burn the buildings and poison the stock. Cordelia never acknowledge outright to doing this but one day after the barn was burned the witness said to the defendant that it must have required a hard heart to burn those poor horses, Cordelia said they had better burn than be killed by overwork and starvation. The witness advised her to leave the community but Cordelia said she would stay and “hector” Coleman. The defendant had requested her to keep the secrets quiet. On cross examination she stated that she had not told Coleman these things until after Cordelia had trouble with her son, Wes.

Elmer Stuckey (sic) is the son of Kate and he heard Cordelia made threats against Colman (sic) to his mother. The righteous Elmer was upstairs at the time and by applying his ear to the ventilator was able to listen to conversation below.

Mrs. Sarah Cosby is the half sister of Elmer and sister of Wes Pursee. When Wes and Mrs. Coleman had a row Mrs. Coleman got her to try and adjust the difficulties. She failed to do so and when asked by the defendant stated that she believe that Mrs. Kate Stookey would take sides with Wes.

W.M. Sheets and wife testified that when the barn was burned that they lived on Mrs. Coleman’s farm two miles from Coleman’s place. She lived in a small room built onto the house they occupied. She was in their room at 8 o’clock the evening of the fire and might have gone over to Coleman’s afterwards without their knowing the fact. The next noon Mrs. Sheets went into Cordelia’s room and found her reading a Sunday school lesson. She told of the fire but Cordelia said never a word. She afterwards spoke of it to her but Cordelia would never discuss the affair.

Dan White is a fiddler fine and acts as orchestra at the country dances. On the night that the buggy was cut he met Cordelia coming down the road from Coleman’s at midnight. The dance had been at Jake Hinton’s place. Tom Flannigan, Jesse Coyner, Wm. McIntyre and IM Ryan testified that Cordelia had declared she would get even with her ex-husband and that he should never prosper. Frank Ryker repaired the buggy and thought the damage had been done with shears.

Orville Coleman is the son of the plaintiff and defendant and is about 14 years old. Orville is a happy young calf and swore as stoutly as the redoubtable Wes Pursee. Orville had seen his other prowling around a few nights before the barn was burned and had seen tracks that looked like hers about the buggy shed the day before the buggy was cut. Coleman’s stepdaughter Laura Cory, testified also to seeing the tracks. Marion Fry testified that he lived near Mrs. Coleman and that on the night of the demise of the poultry that she came prancing over to his house about midnight and said a lot of men had dragged her out of her house and assaulted her. She was wet above the knees and had evidently crossed the dew covered clover field. Wes Pursee, the man who is with Coleman behind the prosecution and who is very sore at the fair Cordelia because she beat him in a law suit, then clambered upon the witness stand with his bald head shining like the dome of a Chinese temple. Wes was a vicious witness and threw the darts thick and fast into the defendant’s case. He swore that she had told him that she fed Coleman’s hogs pulverized glass to kill them and had frequently begged the witness to buy her some arsenic to poison the rest of his stock.

On cross examination the virtuous Wes identified as his own some very sappy letters he had written the winsome Cordelia to come and live with him. The defense drew a rather ugly inference from these as to the motive of the gentleman with the bad head. In one of the letters he had said, “People will talk anyhow, so let them roar. Let the people howl.”

Julia Colman (sic) the present wife of William or as he is better known, “Bent” Coleman came upon the stand like a dream of Paradise. She was divorced from a former husband about the time Coleman was divorced and when she married Coleman she brought with her a very comfortable covey of Corey kids. Julia testified to seeing the tracks about the buggy house and other minor matters and was then dished up on cross examination. Julia denied having been fond of Coleman before her divorce.

“Didn’t you like him before you were divorced?” asked Judge Thomas.
“No, I didn’t,” retorted the lady.
“Well, when did you get so you like him.”
“I reckon I never have liked him!” was the surprising rejoinder which caused her happy husband to gasp for breath and the audience to laugh. Mrs. Coleman testified to a reluctance to allowing her daughter Lucy to go around with Coleman’s son Orville. The rather plain manner in which she stated her objects were exceedingly rich.

The plaintiff rested and Jake Hinton came to the front for the defense. Jake is fond of dancing and gives a hop to his admiring friends every change of the moon. He was dead certain, however, that he did not have a dance the night the buggy was cut and that Dan White was not at his house then and hence could not have seen Cordelia in the road that night.

Bruce Moore, an oily tongued insurance agent, swore that Coleman told him that he suspected Elmer Stookey and Wes Pursee of burning his barn.

Howard Riley and wife testified that Cordelia spent the night on which the house burned at their house. She might have got up and gone over to Coleman’s however without their knowing it.

Marion Fry was recalled and swore to accompanying Cordelia home the morning after she was assaulted. He saw there men’s tracks and found on the ground a man’s cuff holder.

Joe Parsons testified that he saw Coleman beating Cordelia n the woods one day and that he was acting most savagely.

The defendant took the stand and stated that she did not know how old she was but thought she was bout 50. She had been married to Coleman 20 years lacking three days when they were divorced. Mrs. Coleman then denied flatly every charge made against her by the prosecution. She testified that she was at Howard Riley’s the night the house burned and that her son Orville slept with her that night. Dora White was with her the night the barn burned. She explained the false face incident by stating that she had found it on the streets of Colfax and had picked it up “for fear it might skeer the hosses.” She knew nothing about the death of the hogs but heard that they died as a result of eating the burnt horses. She denied having confessed anything to “dectective’ Morrison and in fact entered an almost general denial to this good man’s story.

She detailed the white capping episode at length. She was aroused one night by a noise outside and going out was brutally assaulted by two men. She thought one was Coleman and the other his present wife’s son. She denied having told Kate Sookey anything or ever having made any threats against Coleman before her. Mrs. Stookey she said had frequently urged her to take revenge on Coleman but the witness had replied that she wasn’t the “fightin’ kind.” To this Mrs. Stookey said, “Naw, you caint do nothing but cry.” The witness was never on the road at night and hence never met Dan White, the fiddler. Ellen Rider, the illegitimate child of Coleman had frequently beaten her after she came to live with them and on one occasion Coleman coming into the room offered Ellen $10 to give his wife a “good one.” On cross ecamination the witness was mixed as to dates but nothing startling was developed.

In rebuttal the plaintiff put on Sherin Tyson, Al Wetheril, Warner Haworth, Everett and John Morrison, Wm. Sheets, and wife and Emanuel Jacoby to prove the defendant as possessed with a bad reputation for veracity. Coleman denied the charges made against him by Cordelia.

The defense then put on Simeon Bryant and others who swore they had never heard ill of Cordelia. The jury in the Coleman case after listening to thrilling arguments all Saturday morning retired and after spending the afternoon in sage discussion, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, assessing his damages at $350. A special finding of facts would have been highly entertaining as it is hard to see how the jury could figure a loss of $350. It was really a compromise verdict, the vote standing for quite a while 7 to 5 in favor of the plaintiff. Part of the jury believed Cordelia guilty of one thing and part of another. Some believed her guilty of nothing and some of nearly everything. It was horribly mixed up in the jury room but the two cases most generally believed were those relating to the cutting up of the buggy and murder of the chickens. Quite a number believe her guilty of barn burning, too. Cordelia’s attorneys will ask for a new trial. Cordelia is worth the judgement as she has a 40 acres farm and other property.

You could write a book on this one - wild

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Tuesday 30 Jan 1894 The suit of Wm Coleman, of Sugar Creek Township, against his divorced wife, Cordelia Coleman, is attracting great attention in the circuit court. William was divorced from Cordelia in 1890 and it appears that both of them have some money. After the divorce for two or three years, William had bad luck. His house was burned and then his barn, his stock died and his chickens were killed. In the light of recent events he accused Cordelia as being the authoress of his misfortunes and sued her for $2,500 damages. He is represented by Crane & Anderson and she by Thomas & Whittington.The evidence began yesterday afternoon with the plaintiff on the stand. His house was burned November 15, 1890, and was started just outside his room as if to attempt to burn him with it. He saved but a few goods. Ed Rider and his wife, Ellen, the illegitimate daughter of Coleman, were in the house at the time.

On the night of August 6, ’91, his big barn with all its contents was burned by an incendiary. It held 20 tons of hay, 80 bushels of wheat, two fine horses, two wagons, one buggy, two wheat drills, four sets of harness and other property.

A few days after 85 head of hogs died in a suspicious manner, acting as though they had been poisoned.

In March, ’92, someone cut his buggy to pieces with a knife.

The following June someone entered his hen house and pulled the heads from fifty chickens tossing the heads and bodies in separate piles.

On cross examination Coleman testified that he had importuned his daughter to leave Iowa and come and live with him. This made her husband almost crazy. It was evidently the object of the defense in this cross examination to insinuate that Rider was the incendiary. Coleman admitted that the hogs might have died of disease. He had suspected the Stookeys, the Pursees and others of being responsible for his misfortunes.

The second witness was a hot detective from Manson, above Colfax, and as he mounted the stand he squinted one eye knowingly and swore to the name of Wm Morrison. This Morrison is a corker. He is a timber dealer and as a sort of side line deals in the detective business. He testified that in July, ’92, he had visited Mrs. Coleman, who was then living alone and stated that he heard she had been ‘whitecapped’ and if so, he would like to be employed to hunt the rascals down. She smiled benignly and employed him on the spot for $25. She stated that a night or so before some men had come to her house, broken open the door with a fence rail, dragged her out, tore her clothes about off and attempted to assault her. At this point the knowing witness squinted his eye and remarked:

“She allowed as how she could tell one of the men by poking her finger in his mouth. If he couldn’t bite he was guilty. She poked her finger in the mouth of one of them assaulters and as two teeth were gone he couldn’t bite here when he tried to. She said Coleman had two teeth gone.”

The witness testified that he suspected from the first that she was lying as the door had no dents in it so he went home and wrote to Lafayette for a certain Mr. Robinson, a fellow detective, (who by the way was not produced in court) to go out and pump the old lady. Robinson did so, and returning he reported that Cordelia had acknowledged to burning Coleman’s house and killing his stock. The witness then waited on her and told her what Robinson had reported. She smilingly acknowledged the same things to him and stated that she had but two regrets, one was that she hadn’t burned Coleman and the second was that she could not tell Coleman she had fired the house. She stated that she had filled a pants leg with rags, saturated it with oil, and used this as the incendiary torch. She said she had killed the chickens but they couldn’t do anything to her for that as she hadn’t removed the bodies.

The cross examination of Morrison was rich and he became very evasive at times. Finally Judge Thomas fired this question at him:

“Were you ever in the penitentiary?”

“Yes, sir, for nine months.”

“What for?”

“Well, for telling the truth.”

“You’ll never go there for that in this case,” snapped the Judge as the great truth teller shambled off the stand.

Mrs. Kate Stookey is the mother of Wes Pursee. She has known Cordelia for 14 years and until her trouble with Wes they were quite intimate. She sided with Cordelia in her divorce suit and Cordelia had told her that she would like to destroy Coleman’s property. She threatened to burn the buildings and poison the stock. Cordelia never acknowledged outright to doing this but one day after the barn was burned, the witness said to the defendant that it must have required a hard heart to burn those poor horses. Cordelia said that they had better burn than be killed by overwork and starvation. The witness advised her to leave the community but Cordelia said she would stay and ‘hector” Coleman. The defendant had requested her to keep the secrets quiet. On cross examination she stated that she had not told Coleman these things until after Cordelia had trouble with her son, Wes.

They are still taking evidence and it will probably all be in this evening. (Case continues in the next day’s edition)

AND -- more yet

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday, 5 February 1894

The jury in the Coleman case after listening to thrilling arguments all Saturday morning retired and after spending the afternoon in sage discussion, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, assessing his damages at $350. A special finding of facts would have been highly entertaining as it is hard to see how the jury could figure a loss of $350. It was really a compromise verdict, the vote standing for quite a while seven to five in favor of the plaintiff. Part of the jury believed Cordelia guilty of one thing and part of another. Some believed her guilty of nothing and some of nearly everything. It was horribly mixed up in the jury room but the two cases most generally believed were those relating to the cutting up of the buggy and the murder of the chickens. Quite a number believed her guilty of barn burning too.

Cordelia’s attorneys will ask for a new trial. Cordelia is worth the judgment as she has a forty acres farm and other property.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 9 Feb 1894

“Didn’t you like him before you were divorced?” asked Judge Thomas.

“No, I didn’t,” retorted the lady.

“Well, when did you get so you like him.”

“I reckon I never have liked him!” was the surprising rejoinder which caused her happy husband to gasp for breath and the audience to laugh. Mrs. Coleman testified to a reluctance to allowing her daughter Lucy to go around with Coleman’s son Orville. The rather plain manner in which she stated her objects were exceedingly rich.

Bruce Moore, an oily tongued insurance agent, swore that Coleman told him that he suspected Elmer Stookey and Wes Pursee of burning his barn.

Howard Riley and wife testified that Cordelia spent the night on which the house burned at their house. She might have got up and gone over to Coleman’s however without their knowing it.

Marion Fry was recalled and swore to accompanying Cordelia home the morning after she was assaulted. He saw there men’s tracks and found on the ground a man’s cuff holder.

Joe Parsons testified that he saw Coleman beating Cordelia n the woods one day and that he was acting most savagely.

*****

COLLINS, Ida - Daniel

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Tuesday May 19, 1903 Mrs. Ida M. Collins through her attorney, CW Burton, has filed a suit for divorce from her husband, Daniel Collins. The charges are nonsupport and abandonment. She asks for the custody of their two young children, but would like an order requiring the defendant to provide for their support and education. She asks for temporary alimony, also and requests that her maiden name, Ida M. Toney be restored.- kbz
*****

COLTRAIN - Claude - Leona
Source: Crawfordsville Review Sat Jan 15, 1916

Claude R. COLTRAIN of near Darlington filed suit for divorce from Leona Coltrain in the circuit court Friday. His grounds are that she continually found fault with and finally abandoned him May 1912. It is stated in the complaint they were married Dec 20, 1911. McAdams & Jones of Lafayette are attorneys. - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Review Thursday Jan 20, 1916

A petition for allowance was filed in the circuit court yesterday by Mrs. Leona A. Coltrain of Darlington. Several days ago, Claude R. Coltrain of Darlington brought suit for divorce alleging she found fault with him and would not live on a farm he had rented. In the petition she denies his allegations saying he deserted her and that she was forced to go and live with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Ferguson of Boone Co. The wife claims that the plaintiff's father, John D. Coltrain is worth $30,000 and that her husband has an expectancy of $10,000. SHe prays the court for $5 weekly during pendency of action and for $150 to prepare to fight the case. Mrs. Coltrain is represented by A. J. Sheeby. His lawyers are McAdams & Jones of Lafayette. - kbz

*****

CONDON, Ben - Sarah

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 21 February 1891

The time of the circuit court Tuesday was occupied in trying the divorce cases which came up. There were 17 on the docket, but not all of them came up.

The first was the suit of Susan Wilhite against Wm. Wilhite, the popular coal oil vendor. She proved by many witnesses that Will was a great man to destroy liquor and while under the influence of the same to apply pet names to her not in keeping with the character of a Christian gentleman. Will has frequently beaten her too, and upon one occasion drew a knife and threatened to "let his life blood out upon the new carpet" The twain were married on January 3, 1873, and on January 3, 1891 they celebrated the anniversary by parting company. As William did not appear the divorce was granted.

Emma Pine next appeared and said that David, her husband wasn't worth shucks. He appeared pretty good timber when she took him but after two days of married life the provoking old thing packed up his duds and left the ranch. He has not shown up there since and the court got even with him by setting the coy Emma free.

Rosa Platt said that Thomas Platt was a regular dead beat. The wretch had utterly failed to provide for her as he had promised when first their troth was plighted in the shadows outside the electric light. Although Tom was released from the county jail Monday where he had spent a season for his prized fight escapade, the fellow did not appear to deny Rosa's statement and she was released from the odious bonds.

Francis Thebus, of Sugar Creek township, told the court that her husband, George Washington Thebus was a hard drinking, hard swearing and hard hitting old lout and that she was the victim of all three of his acquirement's. George was not on hand and the divorce was promptly granted by the sympathetic judge.

Augusta Larsh, of Ladoga, complained to Judge Snyder that her husband Carl had run off after abiding with her a year and was now feeding in pastures new. She got her divorce.

Another Ladoga lady came up smiling in the person of Nannie Myers. She was married with due pomp and solemnity to Jim Myers, who after two months of wedded life grew careless like and wandered away never to return. Nannie got a release.

Ben Condon is evidently a mighty mean man. Sarah his wife stood up in open court and accused him of drunkenness, profanity and also of choking her. Ben said this was all true and moreover said Sarah had failed to provide for him during the last two years and he was willing she should have a divorce. It was given with a smile.

The Horn case did not come up although Mr. Anderson labored assiduously to bring it to a focus. -- thanks to Kim H

*****

CONKRIGHT, Myrtle - John
Source: Weekly Argus News, April 2, 1898 p 6

Myrtle Conkright has applied for a divorce from John Conkright on the grounds of neglect and failure to provide - typed by kbz
*****

CONN, Zella - Albert
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review 2-20-1923 p 7

Judge Jere West in the Montgomery Circuit Court has granted a divorce to Zella Conn from Albert Conn. The divorce was granted on the woman's cross-complaint charging cruel and inhuman treatment - typed by kbz
*****

COPE, Dora - George
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, June 14, 1895
Mrs. Dora Cope has filed suit in the circuit court against George Cope for divorce. George has not acted well during their stormy voyage on the seas matrimonial and Dora is anxious of anchoring in the gilt harbor of grass widowhood. George is accused of having abused her most shamefully and the honorable court should give him a swift shove. -- kbz
*****

COREY, Joseph - Birdie

Source: Crawfordsville Review, 30 July 1892

The happy termination of a long courtship culminated in Judge Chumasero's court Wednesday morning in the marriage of Joseph Corey and Miss Birdie Ransdel. While the nuptials were not exactly up to Joe's idea of social chivalry yet he found it cheaper. than getting up $300 for the maintenance of a little tot that bears Joe's trade mark and beautiful blond curls. In fact Joe knew nothing of the approaching nuptials until an officer waited upon him at his place of business and ushered him with all due pomp into the Judge's office. The room wore no embellishments in honor of the happy event, no trailing vines or growing plants were there to lure two happy souls into the garden of connubial bliss, and even the beautiful strains of that wedding march that were ground out by the blind, man's hand organ on the corner was lost sight of in the excitement of the occasion, but never the less, Judge Chumasero spoke the words which made Joe a husband and papa at one fell swoop, Birdie a wife, and gave a baby a long sought dad. Again we are led to repeat with a happy refrain, "All well that ends well."

Source: Crawfordsville Review, 24 December 1892

The suit of Mrs. Birdie Corey against her affectionate husband Joe Corey, for the support of her child, Ruby, was tried before Judge Harney Wednesday, Joe married Birdie last July while under arrest on the charge of being the father of Birdie's babe. Joe refused after the marriage to live with her or to contribute to the support of the child. Judge Harney held that Joe must plank up to the tune of $400, of which $10 is payable on the first calendar day of each month until the whole amount is paid.

Source: Crawfordsville Review, 11 March 1893

The suit of Birdie Corey against her husband, Joseph Corey, and his employer, George Neilest, to collect a judgment of $400 against the former, was tried Saturday and as usually Birdie proved a good winner. The court found against both defendants for the full amount decided that she was entitled to collect $7 from Neilest, back salary he owed Corey. - thanks to Kim H

*****

CORNWALL, Pearl - Miles
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Review April 11, 1916
Pearl CORNWALL has applied for a divorce from Miles Cornwall in the circuit court charging cruel and inhuman treatment. She says she was married to the defendant in July 1914 and that since that time he has failed to provide sufficient home, food and clothing for her. In her complaint the plaintiff alleges that her husband is a strong able bodied man but that he failed to support her. What money he earned she says he spent in gambling. She says that he was quarrelsome and that he often expressed the wish that she would leave him. The plaintiff is represented by Ira Clouser. -- typed by kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Review 11 April 1916 p 1
Pearl Cornwall has applied for a divorce from Miles Cornwall in the circuit court charging cruel and inhuman treatment. She says she was married to the defendant in July 1914 and that since that time he has failed to provide sufficient home, food and clothing for her. In her complaint the plaintiff alleges that her husband is a strong able bodied man but that he failed to support her. What money he earned she says he spent gambling. She says that he was quarrelsome and that he often expressed the wish that she would leave him. The plaintiff is represented by Ira Clouser.

*****

COURTNEY, Elizabeth - Thomas
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Saturday, July 11, 1891
Everybody knows rich old Tom Courtney down at Waynetown. Well, your uncle Tom has a great big full-fledged divorce suit on his hands. Last Thursday his wife, Rebecca A. Courtney put on her store clothes and hustling up to Crawfordsville filed a divorce suit against him through her attorney, Jere West. Mrs. Courtney was much affected while the complaint was being written out and even shed two or three big briny tears. Mrs. Courtney was a "lone lorn widder woman" along in '88 when she met Thomas Courtney and the twain falling in love were made one. Merrily tinkled the marriage bells and their hearts beat like oceans when the storm passed away. But as has true love never tan so smooth and Tom proved to be an audaciously jealous old cuss. recently the complaint avers he became quite savage and threatened all sorts of dire things. Now Mrs. Courtney states that she has always been scrumptiously circumspect in her conduct towards other men. Tom couldn't see it that way, however, and constantly accused her of being criminally intimate with some of the most prominent citizens of Waynetown. Two doctors residing there and a Hebrew merchant were the especial objects of his suspicion and he constantly referred to them as having the wife of his bosom down to a pretty fine point. He continued these accusations unceasingly and abused his wife in a terrible manner using oaths the size of the Waynetown meeting house. finally he threatened to deprive her of life and this so terrified the poor and pretty creature that she resolved to apply for divorce. Thomas Courtney is worth about $50.000 and an elegant farm about a half mile west of Waynetown. His wife asks for $15,000 alimony and thinks she will have no trouble in getting it. Some of their friends think the mater may be adjusted, but the matter is now in the courts and it looks like war.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 11 October 1895 p 3

Judge Harney last week granted the Courtney Divorce case. Rebecca was granted the divorce and Tom paid her $3,000 in cash. The good people of Waynetown are making books on the time of the next reunion of this worthy couple.

NOTE: : Rebeca A. Fruits is the daughter of William Jason & Eliza Louisa Jones Fruits. First married William STIVERS Second marriage was to Thomas Courtney and believe she was married 5 times????
*****

COX, Rosa - Wallace
Source: Darlington Herald, 25 December 1918

Rosa Cox has filed a complaint against her husband Wallace Cox, asking for a divorce and all proper relief. She charges him with cruel and inhuman treatment. - kbz
*****

CRAIG, Stella - Charles

Source: Crawfordsville Star 5 Oct 1882 p 1

The suit of Stella Craig vs. Chas. Craig, her husband for the possession of a child has been continued to the next term of court.

*****

CRAMER, Martin vs. Julia

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 6 June 1902

On Thursday suit for divorce was entered by Martin B. Cramer against his wife, Julia. They were married in 1897 and until about a year ago they resided at North Salem, Ind where the plaintiff was a mechanic. Since then he has resided here. The complain alleges that in 1898 Mrs. Cramer caused her son, a man who is married, to leave his family and reside with her at plaintiff’s home. The son was a worthless sort of a fellow and wouldn’t work, although the plaintiff offered it to him. Cramer stood the son for 8 long months and then told him to slope out. This his wife refused to allow and just to show Cramer where the authority lay, she had a brother of hers to come and join the happy family. Aside from all this, the defendant had a pleasant custom of applying several names to the plaintiff that are not now regarded as proper in good society and finally to preserve his good name and to avoid being brought up on a charge of murder, the plain left his home. He asks for a divorce and all proper relief.

*******

CROWE, Ben - Cora
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal August 25, 1893

Naughty Cora Crowe.

Give us this day our daily divorce suit," is the prayer from the County Clerk's office which is being answered with a regularity truly delightful and facinating. All the pigeon holes in the office are full of divorce complaints and he clerk now has a force of men at work stacking them up in the basement like cord wood. The latest victim of matrimony to kick in the traces is Benjamin Crowe of precious and sainted memory. Ben complains of Cora, his wife, and avers that she is anything but a thing of beauty and a joy forever. She frequently has beaten him black and blue, called him vile names, entertained men of peculiar temperament at his home out of which she finally cast him to make room for other relatives, and in her poor way did her best to make life as lively for him as the experience of a Rocky mountain mule in a snow slide. Ben asserts that he has a lovable, tender and affectionate nature and cannot brook the unseemly brawls incident to his married life. He wants a divorce. Ben has evidently attempted to endure his tender nature to the scenes of discord when he ran the Valley saloon for a season. He gave the thing up, however, after a dose of rock pile and hammer.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal September 29, 1893

The divorce suit of Ben vs. Cora Crowe was tried in the circuit court Thursday and was hotly contested from start to finish. The testimony was in part ludicrous, in part shameful and in part simply horrible. It depicted depraved human nature in its worse possible light and caused every listener to blush for the human family to which he belonged. Upon the conclusion of the testimony the court refused to grant the divorce either upon the complaint or upon the cross complaint. The two Crows will have to squawk together for some time. – transcribed by Kim H

Another lengthy article on several divorces including theirs is under Frank - Minnie SPERRY

*****

CUSHING, Emma - Wallace

Source: Crawfordsville Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana, Wednesday, May 17, 1916 p 6

Mrs. Emma Cushing has filed suit for divorce against Wallace H. Cushing. She charges unfaithfulness and failure to provide for her. Mrs. Cushing says that for two years her husband has furnished nothing for her support. She asks that her maiden name of Emma Taggert be restored. Crane & McCabe are the attorneys for the plaintiff.

*****

CUSTER, Martha vs. Alonzo

Source: Crawfordsville Review 6 Sept 1890 p 1
Carrie Chapman was yesterday granted a divorce from her husband Harry Chapman. Martha Custer was also released of the care of her husband, Alonzo Custer.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

D - Divorces

DAGGETT, William - Sallie

Source: Muncie ___ 3 Oct 1911 p ?

Crawfordsville, Ind Oct 3 – William Daggert, rural carrier, wants a divorce from his wife. His complain, as set forth for the court is that Mrs. Daggett (sic) who is his second wife has had frequent occasion to whip him, doing the job so thoroughly that he alleges he was unfit to appear before the people on his route. It is apparent from his complaint that he is of the opinion Mrs. Daggett No 2 is following the precedent set by Mrs. Daggett No 1, who also had a reputation for beatings. It seems that wife No 2 feels she is entitled to the same special privileges formerly enjoyed by No. 1.

Source: Crawfordsville Review June 29, 1911 p2

Does not explain the title: Blind Musician is Disturbing Element (sub title to William Daggett says wife has abused and beaten him almost from day of marriage (which is obvious in the article but not the Blind Musician)

Charging that his wife has nagged, abused and beaten him almost continuously since their marriage December 1907, and that she has taken nearly all his wages and pension, William P. Daggett filed suit for divorce from his wife, Sallie J. Daggett in the circuit court Friday. Daggett asserts that the climax came on June 22, when, without provacation, his wife began first to abuse and then to beat him with a club, knocking him down three times and inflicting wounds on his head and body which incapacitated him from his work as a rural mail carrier. The plaintiff states that he is 68 years old and that his wife is 49. He sets forth that he owns real estated valued at $2,900 and personal property at about $300. The Daggets have lived at 603 South Water street. He states that his wife insisted that the real estated he conveyed to her and it now stands in her name. RW Caldwell is Daggett’s attorney.

*****

DAILEY, George - Sylvia Caroline

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 29 Nov 1901 p 10

Saturday evening in the circuit court Judge West severed the bonds that tied George Dailey to his wife Sylvia (Caroline) and later Sylvia appeared and petitioned that her maiden name of Sullivan be restored to her and her request was granted. Dailey, it will be remembered, married one of the Sullivan twins, and in speaking of his wife said that her letters to him led him to believe that she was a devout Christian woman tired of the vanities of the world and ready to retire to a nunnery or a farm at Brown’s Valley. When she got to Brown’s Valley however and had to tackle a fair of bacon, beans and hominy, her delicate digestive apparatus revolted and after only a few days she demanded oysters on the half shell, porter house steaks, lobster a la Newberg or a separation. George couldn’t afford to waste his money foolishly and applied for a divorce. - kbz

*****

DALTON, Daisy - or - Walton?

Source: Crawfordsville Review 3 Feb 1920 p 6

Failure to provide and neglect were the principle allegations on which Mrs. Daisy Dalton was granted a divorce in circuit court last Saturday. She also retains the custody of the children.

Source: Crawfordsville Review 3 Feb 1920 p1

Mrs. Daisy Walton, who was granted a divorce in circuit court on Saturday charged her former husband with failure to provide and not cruel and inhumane treatment as was stated in the Review.

DARTER, John - Edith
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 21 February 1902

Suit for Divorce. John J. Darter, jr., Wednesday in circuit court filed an application for a divorce from his wife, Edith Liter Darter, on statutory grounds. - thanks to Kim H

*****

DAVIS, Amanda - Jane
Source: Crawfordsville Star Jan 8, 1892 p 8

Filed away in the county clerk’s office are the papers in the most important divorce case ever brought in a Montgomery County court. The parties to the case are Amanda Davis vs. James Davis, commonly known as “Swarrin’ Jim.” The Davis’ reside near Brownsvalley on a fine farm, with a large family of blooming daughters, and to an ordinary observer “it does look as if they ought to get along.” However, the domestic relations are and have been for several years decidedly unpleasant, so much so in fact that Mrs. Davis prays for relief through her attorneys, Crane & Anderson in the following complaint: that she was married to the defendant on the 27th of January, 1869, and lived together as husband and wife until December, 1891, when she was compelled by reason of the cruel and inhuman treatment of her by the defendant, to separate herself from him. She claims that during the winter of 90-91, in the presence of her children, her husband without any cause whatever rudely seized her by the throat, struck her with his hand and cursed and abused her. That at divers time he has cursed and abused her in the presence of their children and has often struck and threatened to do her bodily injury. That his treatment has been growing worse and his attacks upon her more frequent, until she is no longer able to endure it. That she has patiently suffered this treatment for more than 10 years hoping that his conduct would change and that he would cease his cruel treatment, but on the 26th day of December, 1891, he again cursed and abused her, and picking up a chair threatened to striker her with it, in the presence of their children. On the said day they separated and have since lived apart. Plaintiff and defendants have as the fruits of their marriage the following children: Elizabeth Davis, Kitty Allen Davis, Rebecca Ann Davis and Mary Jane Davis. Plaintiff avers that her husband is a person of violent and uncontrollable temper and is not a fit person to have the care and custody of the children who are all girls going to school and require the care and supervision of the mother. Also that the defendant is the owner of real estate of the value of $20,000 and real estate in Iowa of the value of $40,000 and of personal property of the value of $5,000. That a large part of the property has been accumulated since her marriage and by the joint efforts of both; that she has been a true dutiful wife and has performed all her marital duties toward her husband. Whereupon she asks the court that the bonds of matrimony existing between them be dissolved and that she be granted the custody of the children and receive $40,000 alimony and $300 per year for the support of each of her children. The defendant has employed GW Paul as counsel and will probably fight the case. - kbz
*****

DAVIS, Bertha - Will

Source: Crawfordsville Review 30 Sept 1899 p7

Bertha M. Davis sues for a divorce from Will A. Davis in the circuit court. Mr. Davis is engaged in the livery business here. As the filing case in the clerk’s office has no asbestos lining, the hot complaint has been taken by the attorneys and locked up in a fire proof safe somewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been seriously at outs for some time and the filing of the application for divorce was not unexpected.

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DAVIS, Leora - Firman
Source: Crawfordsville News Review, August 8, 1903

In the circuit court this afternoon Mrs. Leora Benson Davis filed a suit for divorce from Firman A. Davis. The complaint alleges cruel treatment. The petitioner asks for $500 alimony and the restoration of her maiden name. -- kbz

*****

DAVIS, Lewis - Mattie

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 25 Nov 1898 p 1
Lewis WH Davis has brought suit for divorce from Mattie J. Davis. He alleges that Mattie was untrue to him in spite of his multitudinous first names. He didn’t file his case in time to get a divorce for Thanksgiving but if the court will only be good Mr. Davis can get under the ropes by Christmas!

*****

DEAN, Omer - Grace

Source: Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana Weekly Argus News, Nov 6, 1897 p 6

The court has granted to Omer and Grace Dean the privilege of trotting in a single harness again. The suit was brought by Omer and in his complain Grace was charged with all sorts of violations of the matrimonial code. Mrs. Dean did not remain quiet however but came to the front with a sizzling cross complaint and it was upon this the case was tried. Omer was accused of flirting with other women, of staying out late of nights and of communing with the flowing bowl at considerable length. Having heard the evidence the court granted Grace the divorce but overlooked her demand for $500 alimony. - kbz
*****

DELANEY, Rachel - James
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 1 Dec 1890 p3
The sensational divorce from Darlington of Rachel Delaney against James Delaney, came up in the circuit court Saturday evening and on motion of the plaintiff was dismissed at her cost - kbz

*****

DEWEY, Maggie - Howard

Source: New Richmond Record 4 April 1901

Tuesday morning in the- circuit court Mrs. Maggie Dewey entered suit for divorce from Howard A. Dewey. She alleges that he would not provide for her and obliged her to live with his people where she was forced to do the washing and other menial work. She alleges further that she was ordered about there by his relatives and finally told to get out and leave, advice which she followed last October. She asks for $500 alimony.

*****

DICKERSON, Emily - Arthur
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 25 May 1892 p 2
Mrs. Emily C. Dickerson has filed a suit for divorce in the circuit court against Arthur H. Dickerson, charging him with abandonment. Mrs. Dickerson is now living with her mother, Mrs. Pruett on East College Street and Dickerson is residing in Terre Haute - kbz
*****

DILL, Avarella vs. Edwin

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 10 April 1896 p 6

Avarella Dill has filed suit for divorce from Edwin S. Dill, alleging cruel and inhuman treatment. Edwin is pictures as a social ig and a domestic drone. Considerable interest will attach to this case as the Dills are the people who sued Alfred Pearce and the Fist National Bank to recover funds lost in wheat speculation. As that matter is not yet out of court the suit for divorce is likely to give origin to some queer legal complications.

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DISHER, John - Harriet

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly, August 20, 1897

For a second time within a brief space of a year, John L. Disher is an applicant for a divorce. John was divorced from Mrs. Elizabeth Disher last February. In March, while the chilling winds were blowing from the northern ice bound realm, Cupid in his seal skin coat and sable boa, found that John's heart was again throbbing with the pangs of love. He again patched an arrow and John fell a victim to love's caprice and led a new wife by the name of Harriet to the altar. That was on March 7, 1897. John, who left his newly acquired love on August 8th of the year, now comes forth with a tale replete with pathos and razors. Harriet, according to his story, has not been a dutiful wife. She, the complaint states, abused him; accused him of infidelity to his marriage vows and on one occasion threatened to make an aperture in his hot air shaft with a razor. This was connubial bliss with a vengeance and John ain't used to it, so he left home. John now comes forth and asks for an absolute divorce.

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DODSON, George - Miranda (Pratt?)

Source: Crawfordsville Star 30 September 1880
George Dodson granted his wife a divorce and retained possession of the property that the court gave her. She entered a replevin suit before Justice Cumberland but George was too sharp for her, and saddling the family nag he skipped the country with all the portable property, leaving his wife with nothing with which to pay the costs of the different suits. It is to be hoped that that horse has thrown Dodson and broken his neck ere this time. He was a resident of Crawfordsville. - kbz
*****

DOHERTY, Matt - Laura

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 8 December 1888

Matt Doherty was on Saturday, granted a divorce form Laura M. Doherty and giving him the custody of the two children resulting from the marriage. - thanks Kim H
*****

DOOLEY, Carrie - William

Source: The Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday Nov 20, 1911

The divorce of Mrs. Carrie Dooley of Waveland vs. William Dooley, a rather one-sided trial, as the husband did not appear, was tried in the circuit court this morning and the plaintiff secured the divorce and the care and custody of the two children. The husband, she said, abandoned her several years ago, and is now living at Dennison, Illinois she says with Julia Wood in a state of adultery. - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Review, Sept 14, 1911 p 9

Carrie E. Dooley of Waveland has instituted suit for divorce from William Dooley. She charges adultery and names Julia Wood of Dennison, Ill as correspondent, alleging her husband is now living with that woman. The Dooleys were marriedi n 1889 and separated in 1902, the plaintiff alleging that her husband's relations with a servant had become unbearable. There are two children, Avelin, aged 17 and Max, aged 15. Mrs. Dooley asks for the care and custody of these. - typed by kbz
*****

DOOLEY, William - Mary
Source: Weekly Argus News Aug 20, 1898 p 1 c2

William DOOLEY has filed a complaint for divorce from Mary, his wife, charging cruel treatment and abandonment. William lives in Madison Township and this is the second or third time he has filed a similar complaint although heretofore they have contribed to patch up their troubles before the case came to trial. - kbz

*****

DOSSETT, Pansy – George

Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier 3 Dec 1934 p 10

Crawfordsville – Pansy Dossett of Mace was granted a divorce in circuit court here from George V. Dossett.

*****

DOTSON, Nettie - Alva
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 11-4-1914

Termination of a married life of 22 years is asked by Mrs. Nettie Dotson in a complaint for divorce filed against Alva Dotson in circuit court Tuesday afternoon. Cruel treatment and habitual drunkenness are charged by the plaintiff in the suit. She avers that her husband frequently struck her with his fists bruising and mangling her face and causing bumps and contusions to raise on her face and head. She says he was in the habit of cursing her and cites a number of the favorite cuss words of Alva in the complaint. She alleges he was drunk most of the time. Alimony of $150 is asked by Mrs. Dotson, through her attorneys, Vancleave & McGaughey. - kbz
*****

DOWNS, Molly vs. Thomas

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 9-20-1895 p 8

Mrs. Mollie Downs through her attorneys, Thomas & Whittington has petitioned the court for a divorce. She charges cyclist Thomas, her department husband with some pretty shady acts. She asserts that before he went away he gambled, came home late, or rather early in the morning after a night’s debauch and cruelly abused her. She is certainly entitled to a divorce

**********

DUCKWORTH, Nancy - Ed
Source: Crawfordsville Star, Oct 8, 1896 p 9

Nancy Duckworth filed suit for divorce from Ed Duckworth, the defaulting postman, charging immorality, drunkeness and desertion - kbz
*****

DUNBAR, Nancy - Chauncy
Source: Weekly Argus News, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana Jan 13, 1894 p 5

And now comes Mrs. Nancy Dunbar from the township of Sugar Creek with a tale of woe wherein Chauncy, her husband, poses as the worthless husband. Nancy and Chauncy entered the state of matrimony in March 1890 and traveled a rocky road until a few days since when Chauncy kicked his Nancy out and bard upon the border line of some other state. It was the last straw and now Nancy is anxious to cross over into said state convinced that whatsoever it may be she cannot but better her condition of life or rather existeance as in the present state. The honeymoon was scarcely waning before the groom began making her life a burden so she alleges in her complaint and by cruel and unhuman treatment of a systematic character. He choked her for fun and kicked her in earnest but one of his most cheerful sources of amusement was to drag her out of bed by the hair of the head and with a firm grasp on her scalp lock go galloping about the house, mopping up the floors with her person and raising an awful dust. He has called her rude names and accused her of unchaste acts in the presence of their little daughter and other good and reputable citizens. The accusations were wholly false, says Nancy, whereas he was guilty of all sorts of disreputable deeds in addition to possessing a taste for booze that barrels of spirits could not quence. Nancy has not the "spondulix" to push her case through court wherefore she asks that Chauncy be made whack up $100 for attorneys feels and a cool $1,000 for alimony to say nothing of an absolute divorce which is among the requests of her prayer. - transcribed by kbz
*****

DUNBAR, Elizabeth - Morton

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal May 5, 1916
Frankfort, April 28 - Mrs. Elizabeth V. Dunbar of Colfax, defendant in a suit for divorce brought by Morton Dunbar, has filed a cross-complaint. Mrs. Dunbar wants the divorce and alimony of $300. She claims her husband failed to support her and that it was necessary for her to do outside work to get money to purchase groceries. She also claims that he threatened to shoot her and frequently falsely accused her of being intimate with other men. The couple were married in August 1913 and separted in March 1916. -- typed by kbz
*****

DUNBAR, Mary - Rev. D.B.
Source: Weekly Review Oct 2, 1908 p 2

The divorce grind in the Montgomery County Circuit Court was continued today. After hearing evidence in four cases of matrimonial unhappiness Saturday, Judge West was kept busy this morning along the same line. One divorce was tried this morning while another one, that was called was postponed until after the election.

The divorce case held over until after the election for trial was that of Mrs. Mary L. Duncan vs. Rev. DB Duncan, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. This was continued until after the election at the request of the attorneys, some of whom are busily engaged in politics. Mrs. Duncan is represented by Crane & McCabe and Thomas & Foley, while Whittington & Williams are looking after Mr. Duncan's interests. - kbz

*****

DUNCAN, Mary L -- Rev. D.B.

Source: Weekly Review Oct 2, 1908 p 2

The divorce case held over until after the election for trial was that of Mrs. Mary L. Duncan vs. Rev. DB Duncan, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. This was continued until after the election at the request of the attorneys, some of whom are busily engaged in politics. Mrs. Duncan is represented by Crane & McCabe and Thomas & Foley, while Whittington & Williams are looking after Mr. Duncan's interests.

Birdie Grider was granted a divorce this morning from her husband Charles M. Grider. The parties formerly lived at New Market. Mr. Grider, however, was given the custody of the children.

Saturday afternoon Judge West granted Mary Alice Mitchell a divorce from her husband, Charles G. Mitchell.

The divorce for which Mrs. George Warren was asking was granted. The Judge announced this morning after considering the case fully, he had decided to set aside the marriage of Drucilla and Joseph Humbert. The grounds for setting it aside were that Joseph had married her fraudently in order to get her money and that he didn't intend to live with her. Drucilla had sued him for divorce.

Pretty positive although this says Nancy Dunbar that it is indeed our Reverand DUNCAN - let me know if anyone says no - I want it to be right - it could also be another marriage but pretty sure it is NOT Dunbar but Rev. DUNCAN

DUNBAR, Mary - Rev. D.B. – this should be titled DUNCAN NOT DUNBAR

Add this one to the other Dunbar one

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 12 Jan 1894 p 12

Nancy Dunbar was married to her husband, Chauncy Dunbar of Sugar Creek Township in the year of grace, 1890. It was not long before Chauncy acquired the habit of yanking his wife out of bed by the hair and otherwise maltreating her. She has now sued for a divorce and $1,000 alimony.

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DUNHAM, Susan vs. Abraham

Source: Crawfordsville Record 26 Dec 1835 p 4

Susan vs. Abraham Dunham – Petition for Divorce Montgomery Circuit Court Sept 1835

Now comes the complainant and the summons issued in this case is returned into court, endorsed defendant not found. It is therefore ordered that notice of the pendency of this petition be given by publication three weeks successively in the Crawfordsville Record and that unless said defendant be and appear here on the first day of the next term of this court to be holden at the Courthouse in Crawfordsville on the 4^th day of March 1836, and plead, answer, or demur, on or before the calling of the cause, the matters and things contained in said petition will be heard in his absence. And cause continued. A copy .. John Wilson, Clerk. Attested Nov 12, 1835.

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DYKES, Maria - Robert M.

Source: Crawfordsville Review 3 Oct 1916 p 2

After Mrs. Maria Dykes has been granted temporary alimony of $7 a week and a restraining order had been placed by Judge West on the property of Robert M. Dykes, her husband, the couple decided to go together again and have withdrawn the suit, and are living on the Dykes farm west of this city. This is the second reconciliation the couple have had after a divorce suit has been filed. They have several children.

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DYSON, Clara - Peter
Source: Weekly Argus News, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana July 21, 1894 p 4

Clara Dyson has filed the documents declaring that she and Peter can no longer abide together, in fact they haven't been on abiding terms for about 3 years which is just half the time since when in an evil hour the fates united them in the galling bonds of matrimony. Clara says Peter was no good, neither providing the rainment nor the food which she considered necessary to her existence and about three years ago she dropped Peter and has since trotted in single harness. Now with the assistance of Wright & Sellar she proposes to regain her bird-like freedom, the court being willing. - kbz