Divorce News and Records, Allen Co., Indiana

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

1892

Fort Wayne Sentinel

• 4 Jan 1892 Russell George was granted a divorce from Lulu George on grounds of cruel treatment. George is a saloon keeper.
• 4 Jan 1892 Magdalena Demmler was granted a divorce from Charles Demmler. The charges were abandonment and failure to provide.
• 6 Jan 1892 The Sentinel reporter met Mrs. McCarty in the justice's office at noon and the assaulted woman poured into the ears of the newspaper man her tale of woe, commencing with the date of her marriage and running up to her departure from the McCarty household last night. "I shall never live with him again," she said. "I will bring an action in the courts for a divorce. I was married to him seven years ago, the 3rd day of last July and I wish I had never lived to see that day for my married life has been a most unhappy one. He abuses me and we have frequently quarreled. About a year ago, I had him arrested for assault and he had me arrested also. He was fined by the Justice and I was not. I can't live with him anymore and I have left his house forever. He has two grown up daughters living at home and they can take care of him."
• 11 Jan 1892 Frank J. Mersman commences an action in the superior court for divorce from Isabella Mersman.
• 14 Jan 1892 John Sties vs. Mary Sties for divorce; dismissed at plaintiff's costs.
• 14 Jan 1892 Mary K. Bowser vs. George W. Bowser for divorce; granted.
• 14 Jan 1892 Mary Beverforden vs. Augustus Beverforden, divorce on grounds of cruelty.
• 28 Jan 1892 Mary C. Benyus has brought suit in the circuit court for a divorce from Henry Benyus.
• 29 Jan 1892 Solomon Argerbrirght sues Emma Argerbright in the circuit court for a divorce.
• 30 Jan 1892 Delila B. Root sues Palmer C. Root for divorce. The plaintiff alleges that Mr. Root spent her money, refused to let her eat at his table and otherwise maltreated and shunned her. The parties live in St. Joe Township but the husband is now in Michigan.

• 12 Feb 1892 Mary Kouse sues for a divorce from John Kouse.
• 15 Feb 1892 Hannah Younker commences action for a divorce from Isaac C. Younker.
• 17 Feb 1892 In the superior court, Martha Ross sues Harvey Ross for divorce. The complaint says that on two occasions the defendant left her and she has at all times had to provide for herself except for a pair of shoes and stockings. That he had been a cruel and inhuman husband and conciliation is impossible. For this reason she asks for a divorce.
• 17 Feb 1892 Martha J. Keller commences an action in the superior court for a divorce from Frederick Keller alleging cruelty and unfaithfulness. She asks for alimony.
• 29 Feb 1892 Martha J. Keller was granted a divorce from Ferdinand (sic) Keller.
• 29 Feb 1892 Margaret Bellamey was granted a divorce from John Bellamey on charges of cruelty and given custody of the children.

• 1 Mar 1892 In the superior court Nancy Ross was granted a divorce from her husband, F. Ross.
• 8 Mar 1892 Mary Byrd sues for divorce from John Byrd. The parties were married in this city in 1878. Mrs. Byrd says that her husband is addicted to strong drink, that he is abusive, and at one time locked her in the corn crib and left here there overnight, almost frozen to death. The husband now lives in Wells County and with him their three children.
• 10 Mar 1892 Nellie Rittenhouse was yesterday granted a divorce from J. R. Rittenhouse. The defendant was not present.
• 11 Mar 1892 Elizabeth Jewell has instituted proceedings in the superior court for a divorce from Frank Jewell and as a side issue she wants $1000 alimony. Mr. Jewell abandoned his wife and refused to contribute to her support.
• 14 Mar 1892 Charlotte Gaspard sues Peter Gaspard for a divorce and $1500 alimony.
• 15 Mar 1892 Emma Bowman sues for a divorce from Lee Bowman. Bowman will be recalled as a saloon keeper who recently left the city.
• 16 Mar 1892 A petition has been filed in the circuit court for Edward R. Benedict for a divorce from his wife, Cora A. Benedict. The complaint alleges that they were married in this city by Rev. W. M. Van Slyke on the 30 Mar 1889 and charges that his wife has been untrue to him for which reason he asks that he may be divorced from her. Mr. Benedict is a conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad and resides in this city.
• 17 Mar 1892 Sarah A. Weers brings suit in the circuit court for a divorce from Alonzo S. Weers.
• 23 Mar 1892 HE HAD FOUR WIVES but now he has none and is under arrest for bigamy. Novel case in which a Fort Wayne woman figures. Harry Metzgar, the chief deputy in the county clerk's office, on the 16th day of February, 1889, issued a marriage license to Mrs. Caroline Beck, of this city and Joseph T. Baker, the son of a wealthy and prominent businessman of Cleveland, Ohio, and later in the day at the home of the bride in this city, the two were married by Rev. M. C. Cooper, former pastor of the St. Paul M. E. church on Walton Avenue. The groom was a handsome and well-dressed young man and the bride a charming widow with three children. She little dreamed as she gave her hand and heart to the man at her side, that he was already a married man and had a wife living. Such was the case, however, for a little less than eight years before, he was married at Cleveland, Ohio, to a Miss Minnie Davis of that city and afterwards to Miss Lizzie Kuntz at Columbus. How Baker kept his former marriages concealed from his Fort Wayne wife is not known here, but it seems that he did so for some time as the two went to Cleveland where they resided, but lately his bigamous life has been reveled and both Minnie Davis and the Fort Wayne woman commenced actions for divorce from him in the Cleveland courts. Yesterday their novel cases were called up in the court at Cleveland and both women, handsome blondes and tall, were present and testified against their guilty husband. Minnie is childless and Caroline has in addition to her first husband's children, a child by Baker. Minnie charges Baker with willful absence and wrong-doing with one Lizzie Kuntz in Columbus. Caroline charged bigamy and set up that prior to marriage with her Baker wedded Lizzie Kuntz in Columbus. Baker seems to have had four wives in all. The Cleveland judge granted decrees of divorce to both fair plaintiffs and gave Caroline the custody of her child. The grand jury will investigate Baker's bigamy.
• 23 Mar 1892 Mary Kouse was granted a divorce from John Kouse.
• 30 Mar 1892 Norah E. Shafer has commenced suit to secure a divorce from Charles L. Shafer, charging that he is a habitual drunkard.

• 5 Apr 1892 Delia Root secured a divorce from Palmer C. Root on the grounds of abandonment.
• 7 Apr 1892 Anna Yager has commenced suit in the circuit court for a divorce from Jacob Yager.
• 15 Apr 1892 Oscar Nestle was this morning granted a divorce from his wife, Belle Nestle. The grounds for divorce were cruel treatment.
• 15 Apr 1892 Sarah Barnhardt has filed a complaint in the circuit court asking for a divorce and alimony from her husband, Peter Barnhardt. She alleges cruel treatment and drunkenness. Peter owns a farm and is worth about $4000. The plaintiff asks for an order restraining him from disposing of said property. The couple was married on June 11, 1867 and lived together until April 12 of this year. Throughout their married life he made life uncomfortable by calling her vile names and when intoxicated he is quite abusive.
• 19 Apr 1892 Yesterday at the courts at Chicago, Frank E. Drake and Lida E. Drake were given a divorce. The latter, before her marriage, was Lida Boseker of this city.
• 20 Apr 1892 Bertha C. Krous has commenced suit for a divorce from Frank F. Krous.
• 21 Apr 1892 Malinda Fair has commenced an action in the circuit court asking for a divorce from her husband, Joseph Fair. The petition alleges that the parties were married on the 8th of August 1890 and that one child has been born to them. It also says that the defendant has been guilty of extreme cruelty to her, calling her all sorts of bad names and telling her "to take the brat and go or he would wring her neck off." She says she left him Tuesday on account of his cruelty and failure to provide for her. The defendant is an employee of Diether's planning mill and resides on Wagner Street in this city. Mrs. Fair asks that she may be allowed $1000 alimony.
• 23 Apr 1892 In the circuit court, Adam Moletor sues Catharine Moletor for divorce. The affidavit avers desertion. The couple was married in 1882 and the defendant abandoned the plaintiff in 1888.
• 27 Apr 1892 Mary C. Benyus was granted a divorce from Henry Benyus.
• 27 Apr 1892 The suit between Dr. Blade and his wife has been dismissed. The two have settled their differences and will live together.
• 27 Apr 1892 Suit has been filed in the superior court for Henry Hoch against Emma H. Hoch asking that he may be divorced from her. He says that they were married on the 18th day of November 1885 and lived together until 1892 when the defendant left him. The petition alleges that the defendant was cruel to the plaintiff and two children born to them; she threatened to kill him and that she struck him and neglected her duties. He states that he supplied her with $50 a month for household uses which she used for other purposes. He now cares for the children and asks for their custody.
• 28 Apr 1892 John Barrand has commenced action in the circuit court for a divorce from Estella Barrand.
• 28 Apr 1892 Bertha Beckman sues for a divorce from Frank Beckman. The plaintiff alleges cruelty and inhuman treatment.
• 29 Apr 1892 Today in circuit court divorce proceedings were dismissed for Adam Moletor vs. Catharine Moletor. The parties to the suit decided to "make up".
• 29 Apr 1892 The divorce proceedings of Melinda Fair vs. Joseph Fair have been amicably settled out of court and the parties are again living together. The case was dismissed.
• 29 Apr 1892 Yesterday concluded the hearing of the divorce case of Henry Hoch vs. Emma A. Hoch. The court decreed a bill of separation to Mr. Hoch and gave him custody of the children.

• 2 May 1892 In the Adams County courts at Decatur, Ind., Mr. Dick Townsend, the well-known host of the Randall Hotel in this city and the "Burt" house of Decatur, and his wife, Mrs. Jessie Allison Townsend, have been granted a divorce. A few weeks ago Mr. Townsend entered proceedings for a divorce and later Mrs. Townsend filed a cross complaint. She was granted a divorce and alimony with the custody of her only child, a son.
• 2 May 1892 Bertha Krous was granted a divorce from Frank Krous.
• 4 May 1892 John D. Hill today filed a complaint for divorce against Christina Hill in the circuit court.
• 9 May 1892 In the circuit court this afternoon Octavia Mohl enters suit for divorce from Phillip Mohl charging cruel treatment.
• 10 May 1892 Louise Dayton enters suit in the circuit court against Charles Dayton for divorce charging failure to provide.
• 11 May 1892 Margaret Kracker charges Leopold Kracker with habitual drunkenness and failure to provide her wants, she asks that a divorce be granted her.
• 16 May 1892 Sarah Wehrs brings suit against Alonzo Wehrs for a divorce.
• 18 May 1892 Today Emma Bowman was granted a divorce from Lee Bowman of the grounds of abandonment.
• 19 May 1892 Abagail C. Smith sues for a divorce from Ashland Smith, $700 alimony and the custody of their child. The complaint alleges abandonment and failure to provide.
• 24 May 1892 Frances McIlvaine begins suit for a divorce and $1500 alimony against William McIlvane (sic) in the circuit court.
• 26 May 1892 Meinhard Reiling commences suit for divorce in the circuit court against his wife, Alla Reiling. The petition alleges that the parties were married on June 24, 1890 and that after living together for a few months the defendant abandoned the plaintiff. Mr. Reiling also says that his wife has been guilty of immoral conduct, cruelty and neglect of duty.
• 26 May 1892 Elizabeth C. Thiebolt sues for a divorce from George W. Thiebolt.

• 11 Jun 1892 Elizabeth Bohen sues for a divorce from Thomas Bohen and asks a restraining order until the question of alimony is settled.
• 11 Jun 1892 Fannie McCrory sues for a divorce from Albert J. McCrory.
• 15 Jun 1892 Judge O'Rourke had his hands full of divorce cases this morning. The first called was that of Margaret Kracker against Leopold Kracker and after the judge dissolved their marriage contract, the cases of Elizabeth Thiebolt against George W. Thiebolt, and Louisa Dayton against Charles W. Dayton, were taken up and similar decrees entered. The cause in each was unfaithfulness and neglect of duty on the part of the husbands towards the wives.

• 8 Jul 1892 In the circuit court Mrs. Bridget Webber has filed suit for divorce against her husband, Milton N. Webber. The charge is habitual drunkenness and cruel treatment. Mr. Webber is the well-known saloonkeeper and ex-councilman.
• 18 Jul 1892 In the superior court today, the divorce case of Melinda Fair vs. Joseph Fair is being tried.
• 18 Jul 1892 The divorce case of Margaret Razat vs. Peter Razat has been dismissed.
• 19 Jul 1892 Mrs. Melinda Faara was this morning granted a divorce in the superior court. She was allowed $325 alimony, given the custody of their child, and allowed to resume her maiden name, Melinda Baker. The expert testimony of the Bailiff, M. H. Bohen, was a feature of the trial. Some of the testimony was very racy.
• 19 Jul 1892 Bridget Donnelly was granted a divorce from Ambrose Donnelly on a charge of cruelty. The couple have been married 34 years and have several children. The father was given the charge of James Donnelly and the mother took the girls.
• 20 Jul 1892 Joseph Faara and his wife, Melinda, who were yesterday divorced, came into the superior court and asked to have the case reopened. They have agreed to unite again their fortunes and want the divorce and alimony set aside.
• 23 Jul 1892 Mrs. Nellie McBride may file for a divorce from her husband George McBride.

• 2 Aug 1892 The announcement was made some days ago of the complaint filed by Bridget Webber against Milton N. Webber for divorce. Yesterday a dismissal was entered and the case will not come to trial. A transfer was also recorded in which the residence property is placed in the name of Bridget Webber. (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
• 13 Aug 1892 Minnie G. Webber sues in the circuit court for a divorce from William J. Webber. She alleges cruelty, neglect and failure to support and asks for the custody of the children.
• 15 Aug 1892 Mary J. Sheller, through her attorney, sues for divorce in the circuit court from her husband, Charles Sheller. She says they were married in 1890 and that the defendant cruelly treated her and neglects to support her.
• 18 Aug 1892 In the circuit court yesterday, Flora Fears sued for a divorce from her husband, Henry Fears on the grounds of cruelty, negligence and failing to provide.
• 26 Aug 1892 Jacob Rohrer sues Anna Rohrer in the superior court for a divorce.
• 30 Aug 1892 Vinna E. Kellogg has commenced suit in the circuit court against her husband, Frederick A. Kellogg for divorce.
• 31 Aug 1892 Charles Rosenberger, through his attorney, commences suit in the circuit court for a divorce from his wife, Mary Rosenberger. He says in his complaint that the plaintiff and defendant were married twenty years ago but that their married life has been a very unhappy one, being made so by the numerous disputes and contentions in which they engage. These quarrels occur daily and Rosenberger says that his wife calls him names and treats him in a cruel and inhuman manner. He says their married life has become so intolerable that he cannot stand it any longer and prays the court to give him a divorce. About a year ago, Mrs. Rosenberger instituted a suit in the courts for a divorce from her husband but the case was afterwards compromised.

• 6 Sep 1892 The Sentinel yesterday chronicled the cruel treatment of Chas. Readmiller, the livery stable man on Fairfield Avenue, toward his wife, Mary Readmiller. Today, through her attorney, Mrs. Readmiller began suit in the circuit court against her husband for divorce. She alleges cruelty and asks for $3000 alimony. The charge of assault and battery against Readmiller for beating his wife will be heard before Justice France as soon as she recovers from her injuries.
• 7 Sep 1892 Meinhard Reiling has been granted a divorce from Alta D. Reiling.
• 7 Sep 1892 Mary Craig has been granted a divorce from Augustus Craig in the circuit court.
• 7 Sep 1892 Helen W. Friend has sued John W. Friend for a divorce in the circuit court.
• 8 Sep 1892 Elizabeth A. Jackson has sued Wm. A. Jackson in the circuit court for a divorce.
• 13 Sep 1892 It was divorce day in the circuit court and the Judge granted decrees of separation to Mary Swift from Frank Swift and $300 alimony, while Elizabeth Bowen was given a divorce from Thomas Bowen and $1500 alimony.
• 14 Sep 1892 Lucinda Gilbert sues for a divorce from Harry M. Gilbert. The complaint alleges cruelty and inhuman treatment.
• 15 Sep 1892 Judge O'Rourke is holding court this afternoon. He granted a divorce to the plaintiff in the case of Sheller against Sheller.
• 19 Sep 1892 In the circuit court, Abigail C. Smith was given a divorce from Ashland Smith and $700 alimony and the custody of their children.
• 20 Sep 1892 Martha O. Lieben has been granted a divorce from James B. Lieben, together with $400 alimony and the custody of the child.
• 21 Sep 1892 Nancy J. Burns sues for a divorce from Arthur Burns. The complaint alleges assault and battery and cruel and inhuman treatment and language. It is said the husband tried to chloroform his wife some nights ago and did apply the drug to her nose while she slept.
• 21 Sep 1892 Margaret Poulson commences suit in the circuit court against John Poulson for divorce. She alleges cruelty. The parties were married in March 1888.
• 27 Sep 1892 Jacob Fink sues Mary Fink for divorce in the superior court. Abandonment is alleged. The parties reside near Leo.
• 27 Sep 1892 Samuel J. Robecker, by his attorney, has filed a complaint in the circuit court for divorce against his wife, Mattie. The complaint shows they were married in December 1891 and separated July 1892, and that for a long time prior to the separation she would scold incessantly and at every meal time would throw dishes, knives, forks, and victuals at him.
• 28 Sep 1892 Margaret J. Downing sues James L. Downing in the circuit court for divorce.

• 6 Oct 1892 Nancy J. Burns has been granted a divorce in the circuit court from her husband, Arthur Burns, on the grounds of cruelty and abandonment.
• 25 Oct 1892 Three divorce cases have been commenced in the circuit court. The first is that of Auguste Frederick vs. Heinrich Frederick. The plaintiff alleges cruelty as the grounds. The petitions in the other two cases are as follows: Theresa Katzenwaldel vs. Jacob Katzenwaldel and U. S. Grant Meeks vs. Cora Meeks. The charges preferred are cruel treatment and abandonment.
• 28 Oct 1892 John A. Row sues for a divorce from Adelia Row.
• 28 Oct 1892 In the superior court yesterday, Jacob Fink was granted a divorce from Mary Fink, the charge being cruelty.

• 7 Nov 1892 Mary M. Laible brings suit against George Laible for a divorce.
• 14 Nov 1892 Jennie Kirkendall, through her attorney, brings suit in the superior court for a divorce from Jacob G. Kirkendall. She is 33 years of age and the defendant 45 years old, and they were married in 1887. She charges cruelty and adultery and asks that she be allowed to resume her maiden name, Jennie Ensley.
• 16 Nov 1892 Mary M. Daible was given a legal separation from her husband, George Daible, and was allowed to resume her maiden name, Mary M. Dillon.
• 16 Nov 1892 Margaret Downing was granted a divorce from James L. Downing on a charge of desertion. She was also allowed to resume her maiden name, Margaret Jacobs.
• 16 Nov 1892 Lucinda Pocock brings suit for a divorce against her husband, Major Pocock, the charge being desertion and failure to provide. The couple have one daughter, Gladys, and the mother asks for her custody.
• 16 Nov 1892 Papers were filed in the superior court in which Ida Trease asks to be divorced from her husband, Franklin Trease.
• 16 Nov 1892 Another woman who has become tired of living a life in double harness is Mrs. Elizabeth Mausnest, who files a petition for a divorce from her husband, Gotlieb Mausnest. The charge is failure to provide.
• 17 Nov 1892 The divorce case of Lucinda Pocock vs. Major Pocock is being heard in the superior court this afternoon.
• 22 Nov 1892 Elizabeth Hausnest was given a divorce from Gotlieb Hausnest on the grounds of cruelty and abandonment. She was also given the custody of the three minor children, William, Gotlieb Jr., and Lottie.
• 22 Nov 1892 A divorce was granted in the case of David DeVeaux vs. Mary DeVeaux. The plaintiff was given a legal separation from his wife on the charge of abandonment.
• 22 Nov 1892 The divorce case of Minnie J. Webber vs. Wm. J. Webber was to have been tried and all the witnesses were present. A postponement was taken until next Tuesday.
• 22 Nov 1892 This morning, Mrs. Ella Plumadore filed papers in the circuit court in which she asked for a divorce from her husband, William Plumadore.
• 26 Nov 1892 In the superior court, Jenny Kirkendall was granted a divorce from Jacob G. Kirkendall on the grounds of cruelty and failure to provide. She resumes her maiden name, Jenny Ensly.
• 28 Nov 1892 Major Pocock files papers in the circuit court in which he asks for a divorce from Lucinda Pocock. He alleges abandonment. A short time ago, Mrs. Pocock applied for a divorce in the superior court but the case never came up for trial.

• 2 Dec 1892 Through her attorney, Clara Cullars petitions for a divorce from John E. Cullars. The suit is filed in the superior court.
• 8 Dec 1892 Anna K. Huber brings suit in the superior court for a divorce from John F. Huber. They were married in June 1889 and in March 1890 the husband left and failed to provide for her since. One child was born to the couple, Paul A., who is about three years of age. The mother asks for his custody.
• 8 Dec 1892 Lucinda Pocock was granted a divorce from Major Pocock and allowed $2 a month for 48 months for the support of the child.
• 23 Dec 1892 Some time ago William Warcup, a farmer living near Huntertown in this county, was adjudged insane and sent to the insane asylum at Richmond. Afterwards his wife brought suit in the circuit court and obtained a divorce from him and also commenced proceedings before the same tribunal for the conveyance of his real estate to a third party in trust for both herself and Mr. Warcup and their children. Within the last several weeks Mr. Warcup returned cured from the asylum. The divorced husband and wife met, settled their differences and resolved to marry again. They appeared this morning in the circuit court and compromised their case. Then they went to the clerk's office, secured a license, and were afterwards married and left the city for their new home happy in each other's love.
• 31 Dec 1892 Jennie Haines sues for a divorce from Morris M. Haines and asks for $500 alimony.

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