Divorces R-S

R-S- Divorces - Montgomery County, Indiana -- Newspaper clippings

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RANKIN, Ruth - Ival

Source: Crawfordsville Review Aug 26, 1924 p 6

Her husband’s conviction for an “infamous crime” was the reasons advanced for her desire for divorce, by Ruth N. Rankin who filed suit in circuit court Monday through her attorney, Chase Harding. The complaint states that the husband, Ival L. Rankin was convicted by Mayor Berry in city court of petit larceny in May of this year. She asks custody of the two children of the couple who were married June 9, 1920.

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RAYBURN, Judith - Albert

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review Saturday June 10, 1961p 1 2nd Section

Judith Mae Rayburn has been granted a divorce from Albert B. Rayburn in the Montgomery Circuit Court. She was also awarded the custody of their two children

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REAMER, Anna - James
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Feb 22, 1905

Anna D. Reamer has filed suit in which she asks to be granted a divorce from her husband, James C. Reamer. She alleges that she and her husband have been living apart for more than two years. That he has abandoned her and is now a non resident of this county. -- kbz

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REPROGLE, Pearl - W.A.
Source: Crawfordsville Review, 25 September 1897

Mrs. Pearl Reprogle seeks a divorce from her husband, W. A. Reprogle alleging that he has spent all the money possessed by her at the time of her marriage to him, and that he is worthless, etc. - transcribed by Kim H

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RICE, William - Mary
Source: Crawfordsville (Indiana) Star newspaper, Nov 1, 1903 p 2

Wm Rice vs. Mary Rice, divorce granted. The court gave her $1,000 where is a part of the $389.68 of her money he had used, and that it be paid by December 1. He is worth $30,000 and owed $7,500. She is to take all the household goods from their former home. - kbz

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RIDDLE, Kerilla - Jacob
Source: Crawfordsville Record, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana 10 May 1834

State of Indiana, Montgomery Circuit Court, March Term 1834

Kerilla Riddle vs. Jacob S. Riddle - petition for Divorce

And now at this term comes the said complainant, by Currey, her Attorney, and the writ of subpoena issued in this case is returned, endorsed "not found" it is therefore ordered that notice of the pendency of this petition be published three weeks successively it (in) the Record a public newspaper printed in Crawfordsville, or the Lafayette Free Press, and that unless said defendant be and appear here on the first day of the next term of this court, and answer unto said petition, the matters and things contained there in will be heard in his absence - and cause continued. A copy. Attest ... John Wilson, Clerk April 9, 1834. - kbz

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ROGERS, Edward - Pauline

Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Mon Oct 7, 1929 p 9

Crawfordsville – Francis W. Biddle was granted a divorce from Clarence G. Biddle and each was given the custody of a child. Edward Lee Rogers was given a divorce in Montgomery Circuit Court from Pauline B. Rogers. A third divorce decree was granted Lenna L. Shurr from Clarence E. Shurr and her former name, Atkinson was restored.

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ROUTAN, Bessie - Franklin Chase

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review Dec 15, 1910 p 3

Through her attorneys, Vancleave & McGaughey, Mrs. Bessie Routan of this city today filed application for divorce from her husband Franklin Chase Routan. In her complaint Mrs. Routan sets forth that she was married to F.C. Routan July 19, 1905 and that in October of the same year her husband deserted her and left for parts unknown. She avers that she has not seen or heard from him since and does not know where he is at this time - typed by kbz

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SAYERS, Carrie - William
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 9-18-1902

This afternoon Mrs. Carrie E. SAYERS through her attorneys, Whittington & Whittington filed suit for divorce from her husband, William Q. Sayers. She charges that they were married in 1889 and that they lived happily enough until 1900 when the lesser half forsook the plaintiff and has not since lived with her, he now being a resident of Wichita, KS. They have two little girls, age 9 and 3 whose custody Mrs. Sayers asks for. -- kbz

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SCAGGS, Leo - Leona
Source: Crawfordsville Review Dec 30, 1924 p 7

Leo J. Scaggs was Monday granted a divorce from Lena June Scaggs by Judge Jere West in the circuit court, and was granted custody of the couple's two children, Elizabeth Louise and Margaret Catherine, aged four and two respectively. The couple married June 18, 1919 and according to the plaintiff, the defendant deserted him August 20, 1924. - kbz

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SCHMIDT, David - Maude

Source: Lafayette Journal and Review Tue 13 April 1943 p 7

Crawfordsville, April 12 – David Schmidt has filed suit in circuit court for a divorce from Maude L. Schmidt. Thelma E. Moore was given a divorce from Harry A. Moore and Hazel K. Patton from Charles E. Patton. The maiden name of Mrs. Patton, Powell was restored.

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SCHWEITZER, Herman – Laura

Source: Crawfordsville Review 2 Nov 1911 p6

Herman Schweitzer of this city was made a defendant in an action for divorce brought by Laura Schweitzer in the circuit court Saturday morning thorough her attorneys. Whittington & Williams. In her complaint, Mrs. Schweitzer recites that she and the defendant were married April 23, 1903 and lived together until Oct 17, 1911. There are two children, Mary aged 8 and Louis aged 6. She asks for the care and custody of these and $1,000 alimony.

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SCHWEITZER, Theresa - Christian

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 10 March 1899

Divorce Granted, Monday morning in the circuit court Mrs. Theresa Schweitzer was granted a divorce from Christian Schweitzer on her cross complaint, in which she simply alleged abandonment. - thanks Kim H

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SCOTT, Jessie - Lawson -- See Lilie BRITTON -- see also below - SPERRY, Frank

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SCOTT, Malachai
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 4 July 1891

Malachi Scott besides damages wants the court to grant him a decree of divorce. he is living apart from his wife and claims that when he married her she was already married to another man living in Danville, Ill., from whom she had never secured a divorce. These facts grates on Malachi's delicate nerves and he wants to be freed.- thanks to Kim H

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SERING, Leona – George

Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier 5 Jan 1942 p 11

Crawfordsville, Jan 5 – Leona Mae Sering, city was granted a divorce here from George D. Ssering and give custody of a minor child.

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SEERING, Nancy – McKendra

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 12 April 1901 p 1

The following item from the Indianapolis Sentinel is of peculiar interest in Crawfordsville:

Nancy E. Seering yesterday filed suit in the superior court to secure a divorce from her husband, McKendra Seering, to whom she was married July 7, 1890. Cruel and inhuman treatment is alleged as cause for the separation. Mrs. Seering alleges that her husband's treatment of her became so bad that she has been compelled to leave him. On one occasion she alleges her husband in a fit of anger pushed her on a red-hot stove, painfully burning her. Several times he raised a chair to strike her and was only prevented by outside interference. Mrs. Seering also alleges that her husband during their entire married life never gave her more than $3.50 a week, although he earned from $12 to $16 regularly, and that she was compelled to take in sewing to support herself although not physically able to stand such work. She asks that her maiden name of Nancy E. Long be restored.

Mrs. Seering, the plaintiif in the case, is none other than the once locally famous Nancy Lightcap. She wass the daughter of old man Long of north of the city, who was sent to the pen several years ago for stealing a plow and was first married to the late Fred Lightcap. She was a fine looking woman then but she led Lightcap a dog's life and he got a divorce. Then she cut loose and soon acquired a reputation for being a thoroughbred. "Can" Seering became her lover and it was because of some prosecution he suffered at the hands of Elmer Marsh that Nancy set fire to Marsh’s residence. She was suspected, arrested and convicted. Her trial was a sensation being furnished by Nancy who opening denounced all the court officers at different stages of the case. She was sent to the woman’s reformatory at Indianapolis but after a few weeks’ imprisonment escaped from a third story window by making a rope of her bed clothes. She came to Crawfordsville on the head end of a freight but was quickly captured and landed in jail. While awaiting the officers from the reformatory she was married to Seering at the jail and he followed her to Indianapolis to be close to her during her year of imprisonment. She gave as her excuse for escaping the statement that at the reformatory they fed her nothing but prunes.

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SEERING, Nancy - McKendra

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 12 April 1901

The following item from the Indianapolis Sentinel is of peculiar interest in Crawfordsville:

Mrs. Seering also alleges that her husband during their entire married life never gave her more than $3.50 a week, although he earned from $12 to $16 regularly, and that she was compelled to take in sewing to support herself although not physically able to stand such work. She asks that her maiden name of Nancy E. Long be restored.

Mrs. Seering, the plaintiff in the case, is none other than the once locally famous Nancy Lightcap. She is the daughter of old man Long of north of the city, who was sent to the pen several years ago for stealing a plow, and was first married to the late Fred Lightcap. She was a fine looking woman then, but she led Lightcap a dog’s life and he got a divorce. Then she cut loose and soon acquired a reputation for being a thoroughbread. “Can” Seering became her lover and it was because of some prosecution he suffered at the hands of Elmer Marsh that Nancy set fire to Marsh’s residence. She was suspected, arrested, and convicted. Her trial was a sensational one, most of the sensation being furnished by Nancy who openly denounced all the court officers at different stages of the case. She was sent to the woman’s reformatory at Indianapolis but after a few weeks’ imprisonment escaped from a third story window by making a rope of her bed clothes. She came to Crawfordsville on the head end of a freight but was quickly captured and landed in jail. While awaiting the officers from the reformatory she was married to Seering at the jail and he followed her to Indianapolis to be close to her during her year of imprisonment. She gave as her excuse for escaping, the statement that at the reformatory they fed her nothing but prunes.

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SERING, Perry - Olive

Source: Weekly Review Sept 30. 1909

Alleging that his wife has been unfaithful to him and that she is now living with another man, Perry Sering has brought suit for divorce in the circuit court from his wife, Olive Sering. Perry says Olive has been cruel and inhuman; that she refused to cook for him and to occupy the same room with him of nights. They were married March 23, 1909 and separated April 1, 1909, less than 10 days later. Since then, the complaint alleges the wife and husband have lived apart. Thomas & Foley prepared Sering's complaint. - kbz

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SEYBOLD, Olen - Frank

Source: Waveland Independent newspaper, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana Nov 5, 1915

Seybold suit of divorce Mrs. Frank Seybold is suing her husband for divorce, alleging he is nervous, abusive, favors his children by a former wife and is a poor provider. She asks for the custody of the two little girls and $400 alimony. The cause leading up to the divorce have been common talk for some time. Mr. Seybold, who has the general sympathy of the community, will contest the case and will probably file a cross complaint. kbz

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SHEETZ, Clementine - Frederick

Source: Crawfordsville Daily News-Review June 19, 1902 p 1

Mrs. Clementine Sheetz, a music teacher of this city, began a sensational divorce case yesterday against Frederick H. Sheetz, to whom she was married in February 1888 and from whom she was separated last May. She said Sheetz for the last five years, “had kept an almost constant course of cruel treatment.” She said he had made a habit of coming home drunk at night and cursing and striking her. For the last two years she said he had kept their household goods store and “for some time past” had kept her in a cheap room, giving her only money sufficient to pay the board and room rent and nothing with which to buy clothes or other necessaries of life.” Mrs. Sheetz said her husband had kept his clothes away from the house and for a short time only visited her and then only at late hours. She further charged that at one time when she was visiting relatives at Crawfordsville he removed a part of the household furniture, furnished a room and when she returned hom “found him occupying the apartment with a Mrs. Myers. She says he earns $75 to $100 a month, but squanders his money. She avers that she has a musical education but that her husband will not allow her to have her paino and keeps it stored. Mrs. Sheetz asked for a decree of divorce and $1k,000 alimony. The defendant is at present employed by the Knight & Jillison Company 121 to 127 S. Pennsylvania St – Indianapolis Sentinel.

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SHIPMAN - Wilmot - Jacob

Sounce: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 11 Sept 1856 p2

State of Indiana, Montgomery County, Court of Common Pleas of said County, October term, AD 1856

Wilmot Shipman vs. Joseph Shipman – complaint for Divorce – whereas, on the second day of September, AD 2856 (sic) said plaintiff, Wilmot Shipman by Wallace and White, her attorneys, filed in the Clerk’s office of said court, her complaint for divorce in the above entitled cause; said plaintiff also filed the affidavit of a disinterested person, setting forth that said defendant, Joseph Shipman, is not a resident of the State of Indiana. Therefore said defendant, Joseph Shipman, is hereby notified of the filing and pendency of said Complaint in said Court and that unless he plead, answer or demure to said Complaint, or before the calling of the cause at the next term of said Court to be holden in the Court House at Crawfordsville in said County, commencing on the first Monday of October next (1856) said court will proceed to hear and determine the cause in his absence. Wm. C. Vance, Clerk

SHOTTS, Frank Wesley - Alice

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.

Source: Crawfordsville Star newspaper, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana May 27, 1892 p 5

The divorce suit of the Shotts (Alice and Frank) of Madison Township, will be heard next term of court. An effort was made by the pair to square things up without the aid of the court but concessions were not forthcoming on either side, and it was found impossible to make the deal. The case will be of a sensational nature - typed by kbz

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SHOTTS, Minnie - Alexander

Source: Crawfordsville Review 25 June 1892 p 1

Judge Harney held a special session in his court Monday morning just to grant Mrs. Minnie Bennett Shotts a divorce from her recent husband, Alexander. Minnie averred that Alex gave her the cold shakes some two years ago, and like the man in the song, “he never came back.” The Judge condoled with Minnie to the extent of severing the bonds which united her destinies with Alex. As a guarantee Minnie wouldn’t bother him again with a similar complaint for some time the Judge very cruelly informed her that she must regale herself in grass-widow weeds for two lonesome years at the end of which time if she was a good girl she would be free once more to wed the idol of her heart. – kbz

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SHRADER, Andrew - Delia

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 29 July 1893

Andrew W. Shrader, of Brown township, thinks it is a flat failure all around and he is anxious to have done with it. He is anxious enough to put up the long green to pay the costs in a divorce suit. He married Delia along about fodder time a year or so ago and for six weeks they were as happy as a ten-year-old boy with a double barreled shot gun. After those six weeks they were as unhappy as that boy's family after he blew in it. Delia wanted him to deed the farm to her but Andrew rather thought that the title sounded real nice in his name. She then asked that he deed it to her father but Andrew thought that the old gentleman was aged enough to know how to look out for himself. When importunities, prayers, and sour bread failed to touch his stony heart Delia bobbed her cork one fine day and disappeared. She went home to the good old dad who was aged enough to know how to look after himself and her too. She has lived there ever since and has been quite coy with several young bucks around the neighborhood so Andrew alledges. He wants a divorce and wants it quick. - thanks Kim H

Source: Crawfordsville Review 22 July 1893 p 2

Andrew W. Shrader, of Brown Township has brought suit for a divorce from his wife, Della. Andrew and Della were married about one year ago and after six long weeks of wedded life agreed to separate. Shrader alleges that his wife flew the track and deserted him because he refused to make her a quiet claim deed to his farm and that she is entirely too intimate with certain young bucks in the community.

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SHURR, Lenna vs. Clarence

Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Mon Oct 7, 1929 p 9

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SIDDONS, Maggie - Charles

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 2 May 1891

The divorce suit of Mrs. Maggie Siddons against her husband, Charles T. Siddons was tried today at Covington on a change of venue asked for the defendant some time ago. Since asking for a change however he decided that it would be best for him not to fight the case and has signed an agreement not to be present. Therefore the granting of the divorce will probably be a matter of form. - transcribed by Kim H

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SILLS, Patricia - Raymond

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 7 July 1967 p 4

Patricia J. Sills was granted a divorce from Raymond L. Sills. She was given the custody of two minor children of the marriage. He was granted visitation privileges and ordered to pay support for the children. -- kbz

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SIMPSON, Julius C - Minnie P.

Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Fri 1 Feb 1935 p 5

Crawfordsville – Julius C. Simpson of near Waynetown has brought suit in circuit court here for a divorce from Minnie P. Simpson, charging cruelty. They were married in 1931 and separated last week. Grace Juanita Mundorff, of New Richmond, asks a divorce from Theodore J. Mundorff, charging cruelty and abandonment; they were married in 1927 and separated in 1931. Mrs. Mundorff asks custody of two children.

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SINCLAIR, Blanche - William

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 2 Nov 1900 p 10

Blanche A. Sinclair has sued William A. Sinclair for divorce. She states that he deserted her in 1893 and that she has heard nothing from him since 1895. She asks that the custody of the three children be given to her.

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SINGER, Miranda - William
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 21 Sept 1894 p 10

Miranda O. SINGER has come before the court singing a very grievous song concerning that sweet voiced warbler, Wm. E. Singer. She wants a divorce in order that she may no longer be subject to his shortcomings. – kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 28 Sept 1894 p 1

Thursday in the circuit court Wm., Singer filed an answer to the divorce suit brought against him by Miranda Singer. He entered a general denial and the case came to trial. The divorce was finally granted Mrs. Singer, William having given his consent. - kbz

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SKAGGS, Maggie - Truitt

Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review Dec 8, 1899

Judge West Wednesday threw out of court the divorce suit brought by Maggie Skaggs against Truitt Skaggs. It came to the knowledge of the Judge that these interesting parties had been living together right cooly since the day after the suit was filed. The divorce case of Alwilda McDaniel vs. Christopher Columbus McDaniel shared a similar distressing fate. It seems that the case was set for trail today and the plaintiff lawyer forgot the matter and left town. Judge West declined to continue the case. A former suit for divorce brought by the present plaintiff resulted disastrously for her and the defendant made a fight and the court held the evidence insufficnet to secure a decree. - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Review 30 Sept 1899 p7

Now comes Maggie Skaggs and holds up her waiter, asking the judge to drop into it a decree of divorce tied with a pink ribbon. Her experience with Truitt Skaggs she says has been very unsatisfactory to her, yet he has enjoyed himself immensely, tarrying at the bowl and abusing and cursing her in a frightful manner, even striking her with his fist.

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SMALL, Mary - J.M.

Source: Crawfordsville Review 24 Oct 1896

Mrs. Mary T. Small, of Waynetown has made application for divorce from her husband, JM Small of the Despatch of that town and the custody of the children.

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SMALLEY, Riley -

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal April 16, 1897 - thanks to Kim H

The marital troubles of Riley D. Smalley and wife will hereafter have no connection as they are now divorced. Mrs. Smalley obtained the decree together with the care and custody of the child. The hearing of the case began Monday morning and closed Tuesday noon. Judge Kennedy announcing his decision as soon as the last witness left the stand.

The evidence did not place Riley D. in a very amiable light before the public. It was the evidence of his wife that he was a drunken, improvident, trilling plug, and her evidence was corroborated by that of others. It was Smalley's endeavor through his evidence to smirch the name of his child's mother, but he was not overly successful even in the disgusting work. A review of the testimony is not worth the while and the whole matter can be summed in the statement that the court's ruling was eminently accord with public sentiment and a just law.

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SMITH, Frank - Katie
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal - Tuesday Aug 6, 1895

Dr. Frank Smith has asked for a divorce from his wife Katie Smith, with whom he has not been living for a coon's age. If all the things which Katie did, which she outn't to have done and all the things she oughtn't to have done, which she did, were chronicled here there would be little space for anything else. Suffice it to say her sins of omission were as numerous as her sins of commission and that all were ornamented and garnished with sky blue profanity. Katie is quite a reprehensible little cricket, if we believe all the naughty tales Frank tells of her. -- kbz

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SMITH, Sarah - Winfield
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 21 February 1902

Suit for Divorce. "Wednesday in the circuit court, Sarah A. Smith, of this city, entered suit for divorce from her husband. Winfield S. Smith, alleging cruel and inhuman treatment. - transcribed by Kim H

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SPERRY, Frank - and see also BRITTON, Lillie - Jesse for more on this divorce

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 4 Oct 1893 p 3

Frank Sperry, who was granted a divorce last week, has again stuck his head in the noose and sought surcease from sorrow in a second matrimonial venture. His many friends wish him joy.

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STEWART, William - wife

Source: Crawfordsville Review 9 May 1896 p 4

William Stewart, Darlington, has made application for divorce from his wife. Too much “bossing,” as alleged on the part of his better half, and, incompatibility in generation.

NOTE: several included in this one below

Source: CWJ 22 Sept 1893 p 1

Judge Harney wore a new shirt and sunny smile with a 6’ frontage when he mounted the royal throne in the circuit court Wednesday and donned the robes of spotless ermine. The wild but winning orgies of “divorce day” had been booked for this morning and if there is anything calculated to inspire the heart of the average court with throbbing joy it is a divorce suit with an absent defendant and a sweet faced plaintiff with an artistically blacked eye.

The usual number of lazy loafers were on hand to drink in the details of domestic unhappiness and incidentally to shelter their worthless carcasses from the driving rain.

May Grimes was the first plaintiff to stick her head out of the water. She accused John Grimes, her erstwhile beloved husband, of drunkenness and kindred brutality. John wasn't there but the court ran a corkscrew into his matrimonial ears and yanked out his lungs without ceremony. May was given the custody of the child and a check on the sand bank for alimony.

It was along last April that Lawson Scott got funny and struck Jennie, his wife, with a stick of stove wood simply because she hadn't chopped it tine enough to suit his fine haired tastes. He also cursed and abused her until she had nervous prostration and was in the, collapsed condition of a pocket book that has gone up against the Midway Plaisance. He called her a chippy and other endearing names and made life as miserable for her as the career of a foot ball player on a losing team. She received her divorce and went forth with a smile which extended "from Maine to California and from where Niagara's thunders roll to the great south gate." She smiled all over and back again.

Eliza Nossett led the blushing Jim Nossett to the marriage altar just about fourteen years ago and Jim proved a docile and tractable animal until eight years ago when he scared at the cars and ran off. Since that time he has been at home only intermittently. One of these festive occasions was July 7. He was at home and objected to Eliza going to a Sunday school picnic. Eliza told him he could go to Jericho. Then he slapped her over a sofa and left presumably for the point designated. He made home life mighty unpleasant while around and Eliza made up her mind to get along without him in future. Judge Harney wiped the slate clean and said she could begin the matrimonial problem all over as she solved it incorrectly the first time.

Frank Sperry was eminently successful in obtaining a divorce from sweet faced Minnie Sperry, who is at present keeping a fashionable boarding house for young gentlemen, in the north end. That's what's the matter. Her boarders are transients and while they pay well taxes are high, the house being pulled entirely too often. Frank never did have any taste for the hotel business, anyway, and is glad to be entirely released from the trying position of host.

Frank E. Stout came up with a plush bound complaint set in precious jewels and alleged that his wife was the most disappointing creature below sky blue canopy. Her errors and faults stand out on the dark back ground of her connubial history like a hair cut on a hoodoo. She led Frank such a life that he was obliged to wear a padlock on his heart to keep it out of his mouth. Here are a few of the short comings alleged against her and which induced the court to cut the bonds of matrimony like a cold cheese: She was too intimate with numerous other men, she slapped, kicked and scratched the saintlike Frank, she cursed him constantly, her upper jaw working with the oily ease of the lid to the lunch basket, she staid away from home for weeks at a time, she refused to cook and perform other domestic duties, she took whisky in her tea, she would get drunk and come home to raise Abel's brother, she broke up the furniture and insisted on doing as she pleased in all things.

These need moved to right letters

John Harris, familiarly known in polite society as "Bull," appeared in court this morning with a smile that looked like a brother to the morning star. The winsome "Bull" had complaint to make of Ola, his wife, and he swore that she eclipsed all that was sweet and fair in nature. She swore like the British soldiers in Flanders and frequently indulged in a head punching contest, using "Bull" as an objective point. "Bull," as may be inferred from his name, is a weak, consumptive cuss and he didn't relish such treatment. He got a divorce with a big, red seal and blue ribbon on it. He is having it framed and will make his friends who can't read believe it is a diploma from the Keeley Institute.

Lily Britton, from near Ladoga, was on band asking alimony and incidentally a divorce from Jesse Britton. Jesse, we are sorry to Bay, is a miserable wretch. He refused to talk to her and often amused himself by driving tacks into the baby's eyes with a hammer the hired man used in cracking walnuts. He shook a pistol at Lily and said he didn't know it was loaded and that he really hoped it wouldn't go off and make a hole in her head. He obliged her to go home to her father, and other wise maltreated, her. The divorce was granted and the court is scratching his head over the alimony. The time Wednesday afternoon was consumed in a consideration of the support suit of Emma against Fred Thomas. This wasn't exactly a divorce suit but it was along that line, and the only reason it wasn't was because the plaintiff knew it would tickle the defendant nearly to death to have it so. In fact it was adduced in evidence that the chivalric Frederick has offered his wife a new dress, a gold watch and several other "purties" if sin would only sue for a divorce. It appears that Emma and Fred had been married about two weeks when a son and heir arrived to bless their union with its sunny smile and mellow midnight squawk. Freddie, old boy, stood the midnight melody for about half a week and then left. He states that the racket reminded him of the opening session of aa international auctioneers' convention. Fred never came back. The court decided that he would have to pay $400 to help support the human melodiau for whose living he was in some degree responsible.

Ida Zachary strode boldly into the arena under the gallant chaperonage of Reid Hanna. The bright red feathers in her hat were only rivalled in brilliancy by the bright red blood in her eye and the way she tore out the plumage of her recreant lord and husband, Ben Zachary, was a caution to the Philistines from Askelon. She stated that Ben had proved wholly inadequate in his effort to provide truffled grouse and champagne, and in consequence she was obliged to rustle for grub in the official capacity of a kitchen mechanic. This was tough enough, but it was too much when Ben insisted in coming around and throwing stones at the mansions where she worked, filling the air all the time with peacock blue profanity. The court set her free and scratched his chin reflectively.

Mrs. Emma Springler came waltzing into the charmed circle around the judge's bench with an armload of manuscript, devoted to setting forth the shortcomings of Henry Springler, her husband. Henry Springier is a serpent with a glide like unto that which caused trouble in the Garden of Eden, several years ago. Henry was considered quite "flip" when he married the bewitching Emma, and for a while their married life was as sweet as sugar of lead. It was all to be changed, however, and Henry, the fond and loving husband, soon began to manifest his snake like propensities. He abused his wife in a most reprehensible manner and resorted to all sorts of ludicrous indignities. Upon one occasion he dragged her out in the back yard and looked her up in a dirty hencoop. He kept her there for half a day, occasionally appearing on the scene with a pan of hot coals with which he threatened to fire her involuntary domicile. He acted like a wild beast from Hagenback'e circus, or an inmate of Lebanon and the court made short work of granting that divorce.

This afternoon the suit of Ben vs. Cora Crowe is on trial and is being hotly contested. There are several more to follow. All is joy in the circuit court and unbidden arises the poet's admonition "Hang sorrow! Care would kill a cat; Therefore let's all be merry," There are several other cats to kill and Judge Harney has his knife out.

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SPERRY, Mary vs. Samuel

Source: Weekly Argus News 14 Dec 1895 p 3

Mary L. Sperry has been granted a divorce from her husband, Samuel. She says Sammy was too frisky with a woman named Galoway and has not provided a crumb for her for two years. The judge gave her a decree. They live near Ladoga.

Source: Crawfordsville Star 12 Dec 1895 p 1

Mary L. Sperry was on Monday granted a divorce from Samuel M. Sperry and given custody of the child. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry until three years ago lived as man and wife at Ladoga, Ind. About the fall of 1892, however, Mr. Sperry began to neglect his wife and she states I her complaint lived in adultery with one Alice Greenway, of Ladoga. The court, after hearing the evidence, granted her an absolute divorce.

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SPRINGLER, Emma - Henry - see above lengthy article for SPERRY, Frank - Minnie

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STAGGS, George - Georgia

Source: Waveland Independent Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana April 25, 1919

George Edgar Staggs, yesterday sued his wife, Georgia M. Stags, for div. and asked to have the custody of his two daughters. The complaint set forth that Mrs. Staggs has been neglecting her home and children and has been receiving attentions of other men. The plaintiff says they were marr. Aug 26, 1909 and separated Feb 14, 1919. At first, he says, his wife was dutiful but later she has neglected her home, failed to prepare meals, did not keep her children clean, received attentions of other men and has been cruel and inhuman in other ways. The suit was filed by Williams & Murphy, Crawfordsville. - transcribed by kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Review 22 April 1919 p 6

George E. Staggs yesterday sued his wife, Georgia M. Staggs for divorce and asked to have custody of his two daughters. The complaint set forth that Mrs. Staggs has been neglecting her home and children and has been receiving attentions of other men. The plaintiff says they were married August 26, 1909 and separated Feb 14, 1919. At first, he says, his wife was dutiful but later she has neglected her home, failed to prepare meals, did not keep her children clean, received attentions of other men and has been cruel and inhuman in other ways. The suit was filed by Williams & Murphy. - kz

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STARKE, Lyda - William
Source: Crawfordsville Review 12 August 1893 p 8

Mrs. Lyda Starke sort of stimulated the court docket this week by filing suit for divorce from her husband William Starke. In her complaint Lyda alleges that she and Bill were married away back in 1871 and if what she says is true he has given her 22 years of the rockiest traveling any woman ever tackled. She says that he cursed her, struck her, choked her and almost starved her to death, and that at one time threatened to cut out her intestines with a butcher knife. Bill is certainly a bad man and we don’t blame Lyda for wanting to get rid of him. – kbz

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STEDMAN, Nathan - Laura
Source: Logansport Pharos-Tribune - 13 August 1906 p 8

Nathan Stedman, the Waveland jeweler, who was divorced by his wife, Mrs. Laura Stedman, of Delphi, while he was living with another woman whom he has since married, has been arrested for failing to satisfy a judgment of $300 alimony awarded his first wife. His second wife, who was formerly Mrs. Estella Ashby, was critically ill at the time of his arrest. Thanks so much Ginny for this one :) kz

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STEPHENS, Clyde - Opal
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 29 April 1916 p 5

Clyde Stephens, too young to file a divorce suit in his own name was granted a divorce from Opal Stephens, also a minor, Saturday in circuit court. Desertion and cruel treatment were the charges included in Stephens' suit. The action was filed for Stephens by his next friend, Mrs. Clara Neese, and the court appointed M.S> Simms to appear for the defendant as guardian ad litum. Stephens alleged his wife kept nagging him after their marriage in May 1914, complaining of the home he furnished for her and expressing a desire to live in a larger city. Finally on Jan 31, 1916, she left him and went to Indianapolis, he charged. Ira Clouser was attorney for the plaintiff. - kbz

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STEPHENS, Lucy - James -- see WALKER, Myrtle - Charles

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STEWART, William - ?

Source: Crawfordsville Review 9 May 1896 p 4

William Stewart, Darlington, has made application for divorce from his wife. Too much “bossing,” as alleged on the part of his better half, and, incompatibility in generation

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STILWELL, Ethel - Andrew

Source: Waveland Independent Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana March 17, 1922

Mrs. Ethel Stilwell has been granted a divorce from her husband, Andrew. She gets custody of the children, the farm on which they live in the Liberty neighborhood and all the personal property except $500 worth which includes horses and automobile. - kbz

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STONEBRAKER, John

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 17 April 1896

John W. Stonebraker announces that he will fight the divorce suit of his wife and will die in the last legal ditch. He has filed a counter complaint that is a screamer from away back in the twenties. - transcribed by Kim H

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STOUT, Ella - Harry

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

Mrs. Ella M. Stout has been granted a divorce from Harry F. Stout, her husband. Her grounds were failure to provide and cruel treatment. - kbz

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STOUT, Frank
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 29 September 1893

On Sept 20, White & Reeves obtained a divorce for Frank Stout, the brother of the lamented Buck Stout, who was hanged several years ago for a murder at Darlington. The same firm previously obtained a divorce for one of Buck's sisters and also one for the sister of John Coffee, who was hanged for the murder of the McMullens - kbz

See also BRITTON, Lillie - Jesse for more on Frank's divorce - also a great write up in the Frank Sperry - Minnie one above

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STOUT, Frank (Mary vs. Frank)

Source: Crawfordsville Review 13 Aug 1898

Mary Stout is seeking a legal separation from her husband, Frank Stout. Mary alleges that they were married at Darlington in 1889 that from the start Frank showed an aversion for work that was remarkable. She says he is always so busy looking or work that he is too tired to tackle it after he finds it. The complain further states that he frequently left her to hustle for herself and at no time has he ever provided her with the necessaries of life. She also charges him with inhuman treatment and prays the court to sever the obnoxious tie which binds them.

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STOUT, James - Nettie

Source: Weekly Argus News Dec 2, 1899 p 2

In the circuit court today Judge West heard the divorce case of James Stout vs. Nettie Stout. The charge was abandonment and the court had no hestiancy granting Jim his clearance papers.

The case had no sooner been disposed of thatn Mrs. Nina Brown appeared accompanied by her attorneys and prepared to substantiate the charges in her complaint against Charles H. Brown to whom she was married for worse some time ago. Brown is a best if the plaintiffs tale be true and he should be dropped in some beautifu l stream with a goodly anchor tied tightly about his neck. The plaintiff was given a divorce and granted the furthe rprivelege of assuming her former name, Nina Ham. - typed by kbz

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STUMP, Charity - ?

Source: Crawfordsville Review 21 Sept 1920 p1

Alimony in the sum of $4,000 is asked by Charity Stump in a cross complaint filed in circuit court against Perry Stump wo made her defendant in a suit for divorce. Mrs. Stump was charge with cruel and inhuman treatment and in her cross bill she alleges that the plaintiff was also guilty of such a charge. They were married in August 1919 and sep0arated in the following September, according to the complaint. She related that her husband tried to force her to apply for a divorce, and charge he refused to support her. Mrs. Sump asks the court to make provision for her maintenance during the pendency of the case. She also asks that her maiden name, Charity H. Brubaker be restored.

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SUITERS, Sarah - Basil

Source: Weekly Argus News June 20, 1891 p 3

Sarah J. SUITERS has been granted a divorce from her husband, Basil Suiters. Basil was a flat failure in so far as providing was concerned and some time ago hied himself to greener pastures, leaving Sarah to the tender mercies of the world, hence the divorce.

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SWEARENGEN, John - Hattie

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Review 12 Feb 1898

When John Swearengen and his wife, Hattie, agreed to separate some weeks ago there was a small matter of some $250 in cold, clammy cash which belonged to the two but which was in Hattie’s possession. A few days later Hattie disappeared and with her also went the cash. Swearengen at once began a search for his wife and last week located her in Fitzgerald, Ga to which place it is said she had skipped to meet the gay and festive Ellis Singer, a grass-widower late of this city. Last Friday Swearengen, accompanied by CW Burton paid a visit to Fitzgerald and there found the wayward wife snugly ensconced in the Singer mansion. After some persuasion she surrendered to her husband his share of the money. She also accompanied him back to this city but it is understood she will return to Fitzgerald and marry Singer as soon as the court grants her a divorce from her present husband.

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SYNKOOP, Anna - Clarence

Source: Crawfordsville Review 14 April 1925 p12

A suit for divorce was filed in the Montgomery Circuit

Court Monday, Anna B. Synkoop of this county against Clarence W. Wynkoop told to be living in Indianapolis. Cruel and inhuman treatment is the charge. NOTE: This name may be Wynkoop vs. Synkoop as both names appear - hmmm