30 October 2010

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Pegg


Aaron Damon Pegg v Julia Kilpatrick Pegg (Journal 5 p250 - 11 Mar 1858; Roll 11 case number 88 - Mar 1858)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Wms Co on 24 May 1851 (Marriage V2 p115).  The bride, Mrs. Julia Kilpatrick, was the widow of possibly William Kilpatrick.  In the 1850 Pulaski Twp federal census, p91, Julia 40 PA was listed with her children James 20 PA, Oscar 10 OH, and Thomas Edgar 6 OH (b. 24 Feb 1844, Akron, OH). Aaron may have been the son of Thompson and Mary Ann Cain Pegg.  The father died in Palmyra. Portage Co, OH c Sept 1854.

Aaron stated that Julia was willfully absent on 15 Mar 1853 and lived in Ft. Wayne, Allen Co, IN.  He called Benjamin Keist and Gil Tomlinson as witnesses. A legal notice appeared in a local paper. In the 1860 NW Twp federal census, p14, Aaron Pegg 46 OH was listed with wife Elizabeth 22 OH, and daughter Hannah 2 OH.  By the 1860 Adams Twp, Allen Co, IN federal census p511 Julia Kilpatrick and her sons were enumerated as Julia 52 PA, Oscar 20 OH, and Thomas 16 OH. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Parker


Chloe or Clara Map Parker v John Parker (Journal 5 p595 - 7 Dec 1859; Roll 13 case number 95 - Nov 1859)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Wms Co, OH on 18 Jan 1855. Chloe or Clara (record difficult to read) charged John with willful absence for more than three years.  A legal notice appeared in the local paper.  She wanted her maiden name restored. Nothing more is currently known.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Oxenrider (Henry)


Jane D. Coleman Oxenrider v Henry Oxenrider (Journal 7 p455 - 2 Nov 1870; p489 - 15 Nov 1870; p573 - 31 May 1871; Roll 23 case number 36 - May 1871)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Millcreek Twp, Wms Co on 7 Apr 1867.  In the 1850 Millcreek Twp federal census, p32B, Jane 16 OH was listed with her parents Abijah and Lydia Whelphy Coleman.  The Oxenrider couple was listed in the 1870 Madison Twp, Wms Co federal census, p1, as Henry 50 PA and Jane 33 OH. 

Jane stated that on 12 Aug 1870 Henry was extremely cruel and guilty of gross neglect.  She was dangerously ill and unable to get out of bed for five days.  Henry refused to help her or obtain medical aid.  She was afraid of him.  He had goods and chattels of $1,000 and 94 acres of real estate in this county.  Henry answered these charges and denied all.  Jane stated she was destitute and could not even pay for the fee money for her witnesses.  They must have been paid as the following people supplied evidence for her side: John and Mary Coleman, William Coleman, Dr. Finch, William Letcher, and Peter Gray and his wife. She filed twice and received a total of $100 in alimony; she came a final time to court and asked for a dismissal.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Oxenrider (David)


Athalinda Bollinger Oxenrider v Davis Oxenrider (Journal 7 p424 - Mar 1870; Roll 21 case number 139 - Mar 1870) – see Finegan

By Pamela Pattison Lash (Updated 7 May 2015)- there has been some confusion as to other David Oxenriders, but now that there are many more research sources available, I believe this participant in the divorce is really "Davis" rather than "David" although "David" is the name used within the Civil and Criminal Court record.

The couple was married on 11 Feb 1865 in Wms Co and had a son, Elwood Arlington Bollinger, b 3 Apr 1865. Davis, b 9 Nov 1836, Wayne Co, OH, was the son of William and Mary Oxenrider, and Davis appears to have been a Civil War veteran.  

Athlinda, b 16 Nov 1845 in Seneca Co, OH, was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Stoner Bollinger.  According to the 1860 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p77 the Bollinger family was enumerated as Jacob 45 PA, Mary A 40 OH, Solomon 20 OH teacher, Amanda 18 OH, Mary M 16 OH, Athalinda 14 OH, Sarah E 12, Sophia J 5 OH.

Athalinda charged Davis with being willfully absent for three years or more.  Their son Elwood was five years old.  She brought the following witnesses: Mr. Bollinger, and James and William Oxenrider.  Elwood Arlington Bollinger’s death certificate listed via informant that Elwood was the adopted son of "David" Oxenrider and Athalinda Bollinger was his mother.  This is most likely either what the informant believed to be true or wished to be true.

By the 1870 Madison Twp federal census, p19, Athlinda 24 OH and son Elwood 5 OH lived with her parents Jacob Bollinger 55 PA and Mary A 50 OH. Athelinda next married widower and next door neighbor, Burr St. John, shortly after Mar 1876-1877.  His first wife, Esther "Hetty" Fesler, whom he married on 12 Jan 1860, died on 12 Mar 1876.  Burr and Athlinda St. John had five children with two surviving in 1900. Athelinda died on 1 June 1923 and was buried in the Billingstown Cemetery.


Davis Oxenrider died on 23 February 1917 in Williams Co, OH and was buried in Brown Cem.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Oram


Anna Laura McClellan Oram v Job aka Joseph Cox Oram (Journal 11 p105 - 22 Feb 1881; Roll 36 case number 851 - Jan 1881)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 14 May 2013)

Sometimes a researcher contacts me with more info on the participants of divorce actions - this was one of those cases.  Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your input.

The couple was married in Bryan, Wms Co on 26 July 1876 (Marriage V4 p470). Anna charged that Job had a wife at the time he married her.  He skipped town for Columbus, OH.  Anna wanted a divorce and reasonable alimony.  A legal notice appeared in a local paper; a divorce was granted.  Prior to this divorce Joseph Oram was arrested on the charge of “being too much married”, was brought to court, and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in the Ohio State Penitentiary.  He became secretary to the warden and was expected to take a business position in Columbus when he was released. (Fountain City Argus, 9 Jan 1879 and 21 Feb 1879).

Anna Laura McClellan, daughter of Richard Hazlett McClellan and Margaret Yates, was born on 4 Sept 1857 in OH. Anna L. McClellan married Leslie Henry Kellogg, a Civil War veteran, in Wms Co on 17 Mar 1881 (Marriage V4 p740).  The couple moved to Angola, IN shortly after their marriage and were the parents of Eugene and Cynthia Kellogg.  Anna died on 20 June 1927 and was buried in the Angola (Steuben Co, IN) Cemetery.


Job Cox Oram (born prior to 25 Dec 1843, Weston Bampfylde, Somerset, England) was the son of William Oram and Mary Cox.  On 13 Mar 1866 he married Elizabeth Marshal Bartlett, daughter of James Bartlett.  They had at least three children – James William, Mary, and Henry. Job Cox Oram left Bryanston Farm in 1864 and found work at James Bartlett’s farm, which he then managed. After marrying James’ daughter he left for America three years later where he committed bigamy several times.

Prior to marrying Anna McClellan Job was in Toledo, Ohio.  In the city directories for 1872 and 1873 a JC Oram was coachman to Mrs JC Hall. The following year Joseph Cox Oram was a coachman to Ccl. C Holmes and finally in 1875 Joseph C Oram was a hackman boarding at American House.

Back in England Job’s “widow” Elizabeth died on 9 Jan 1889.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - O'Mealey


Phebe Jane Hannum O'Mealey v William H. O'Mealey

Her Husband Wanted to be a Cowboy, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1885

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

His father died on 6 Feb 1884, Wms Co, OH (Deaths V2 p24).  The father's will made no provision for him because he ran away from his family responsibilities to Ft. Concho, Texas, where he supposedly became a cowboy.  Was this a romantic flight of fancy or a permanent escape from a loveless marriage?  The reader must decide.

Phebe Hannum, born 19 Nov 1850 in Center Twp, Williams Co, OH, was the daughter of Bentley and Nancy Ann Neer Hannum.  According to the 1850 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p74B, Bentley Hannum 39 PA was listed with his family, Nancy 34 OH, Robert 17 OH, Isavilla 10 OH, Sarah 7 OH, and Elizabeth 2 OH.  In the 1870 Center Twp federal census p24 the Hannum family was enumerated as Bentley 60 PA, Nancy 54 OH, Sarah 27 OH, Elizabeth 22 OH, John 17 OH, and Edith 12 OH.    The Hannum daughter, Phebe, was not listed in the 1850 census because she wasn’t born yet; she wasn’t included in the 1870 census because she had eloped to Michigan and married the future Texas cowboy.

From the 1860 NW Twp, Wms Co federal census, p12A, one finds the family of immigrant William O'Mealey as William 50 Ireland, Sarah A 46 NY, William 18 NY, James 12 IN, Byron 11 NY, John 10 MI, Henry 7 MI, and Thomas 4 MI.  William and Julia Lougheed O'Mealey's son, William H, born 8 Feb 1844 in Pittsford, Hillsdale Co, MI, had married Phebe Hannum on 29 Aug 1869, Ransom, Hillsdale Co, MI.  This couple was enumerated in the 1870 NW Twp federal census, p23, as William 24 MI, and Phebe 19 OH; closeby the husband's family, William 64 Ireland, Sallie 59 NY, Harry 17 MI, and Charles 14 MI appeared in that census record.  According to the 1880 Melbern, Center Twp federal census, Phebe Jane Omealey was listed as 29 OH with her daughter, Phebe J 6 KS; they resided with her parents Benley Hannum 71 PA, Nancy 64 OH, and Isavelia Bentley 40 OH.  Clearly Phebe’s husband was missing.  Note that child Phebe J was born on 8 Sept 1873 in Waco Twp, Sedgwick Co, Kansas, so the couple must have lived there for a time and either Phebe returned to Wms Co with her daughter or the O’Mealey couple returned and later William left the area.  They also had a son, William Hannum O’Mealey, who was born in Waco on 21 Nov 1871 and died there on 9 Jan 1872.

According to the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court records (Journal 13 p218 - 2 July 1885; p251/258 - 25 Nov 1885; Roll 41 Box 139 case number 1419 - 20 Jan 1885) Phebe O'Mealey appeared in court requesting a divorce from willfully absent William H.  The couple had a daughter, Phebe Josephine, born 8 Sept 1873, for whom William gave no support.  Phebe, the wife, was reduced to performing manual labor to put food on the table.  She knew that William had left for Ft. Concho, TX, but had not known where he was for the last seven years.  His father had died recently and she wanted the court to compel the executor of his estate, Richard Hathaway, to give her a part of the estate or $400.  Hathaway appeared to tell the court that Sally A. O'Mealey (Sarah Raymond Robbins), the widow, would receive all the real estate, valued at $3500 and the other children and heirs would receive cash ranging from $100 - $1,000.  There would not be any money for errant son William H. according to the father's will.

The court decided to grant Phebe a divorce and to allow her $400 from the estate.  There appears to be no objections to this on the part of the executor.  What makes this case unique is the fact that the newspaper listing for six consecutive weeks, announcing Phebe's intention to divorce, was made in the Montpelier Enterprise rather than one of the two newspapers in Bryan, in which the majority of other divorce announcements are found. 

In the 1900 Bryan Ward 1, Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p158, Phebe O’Mealey is listed as born Nov 1850 (49) OH divorced with one child living; she was included in the household of her father, Bentley Hannum, born Feb 1810 (90) PA widower, and her sister Edith Kaiser/Keiser born Aug 1857 (42) OH widow with her daughter Jean Kaiser born Oct 1888 (11) OH. Phebe’s mother Nancy A (1816-1896) was buried in the Bryan Fountain Grove Cem; husband Bentley (1810-1902) would join her and their daughter Elizabeth.  According to the 1920 Shasta Co, CA federal census p1A Phebe 69 OH widow was listed as mother-in-law living in the household of John W. Dihullo and wife Bee J 46 KS.  In 1930 Phebe was still in Anderson, Shasta Co, CA employed as a nurse.  She died there on 2 Apr 1943. 

28 October 2010

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Nunn


Mary Ann Boynton Nunn v George Frederick W. Nunn (Journal 12 p428 - 22 Dec 1884; Journal 13 p111 - 28 Mar 1885; p331 - 11 Dec 1885; Roll 30 case number 75 - 20 Sept/Nov 1876)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Hillsdale Co, MI on 3 Sept 1871; Mary Ann was born in Williams Co, OH c1854 and George Frederick was born in Germany c1845 according to their marriage license.  Note that his name was spelled Narn; also note that in the 1880 Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p635 the couple was enumerated as Fred Nunn 35 OH, Mary 26 OH, Horace 6 OH, and Clara 3 OH; Fred was listed as an Ohio native rather than an immigrant.  Mary Ann was the daughter of Joseph and Sophia Doolittle Boynton, residents of Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH.

Mary charged Frederick with extreme cruelty to her between 20 Feb - 3 Sept 1876 when he threatened to kill her, struck her violently, and used profane language.  She wanted custody of the three children, Horace (b 10 Mar 1874, Bryan), Clara, and Belle.  Mary told the court that she owned in her own right Lot 213, Edgerton and Trevitt Add, Bryan, and she gave a list to the court of personal property she brought to this marriage.  The case was continued several times, but finally she was granted a divorce and restored to her maiden name.

Mary Boynton married Dellno Barde in Wms Co on 5 Dec 1887 (Marriage V5 #1104).  By 31 July 1893 Dell Barde married Nora Richardson in Wms Co (Marriage V6 #995).  Whether Mary died or divorced Dell is not currently known.

Frederick W. Nunn married Cora E. or B. Lichtey in Wms Co on 20 Aug 1888 (Marriage V5 #1282).   Cora was the daughter of Henry and Mary E. Leichty of Milford Twp, Defiance Co, OH c1870, but the family moved to Bryan before 1880.  Cora’s father was a Civil War veteran.

Information from the Williams County Civil and Criminal Court records (Journal 13 p341; Roll 41 Box 139 case number 1487 - 15 June 1885) told that Cora Belle Lichty of Bryan, unmarried and living at Mr. Westfall's home, brought a charge of bastardy against Charles Oxenrider; she stated that she was delivered on 22 Sept 1884 of a child whose father was this Charles; he said she was out riding with Richard Burchell, Charles Hudkins, and Mrs. Westfall.  She had kept company with James Hudkins at Charles Austraw's house for two years and she was with Ed McClure out of doors.  The court ordered Charles to pay Cora $300.  Most of these men mentioned in this case are found in other divorce cases.

According to the 1900 Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p8B the Nunn family was listed as Frederick 55 Germ (born Feb 1845), immigrated to US in 1847, wife Cora 32 OH, mother of 3 living children, and children,  Horace, Charles, Belle, Merle, and George. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Norris


Sarah Caroline Lawson Norris v George Norris (Journal 8 p326 - 6 Mar 1875; Roll 26 case number 119 - 14 Jan-Mar 1875) – see Lawson

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married 11 July 1869 (no location stated).  There is a marriage for George Norris and Sarah C. Lauson/Lawson on 11 July 1868 in Ransom, Hillsdale Co, MI.  George was born in 1846 OH and Sarah C. was born in 1850 OH according to their marriage license.   Sarah Caroline Lawson was the daughter of George and Lydia Cairns Lawson and was enumerated with her parents in the 1860 Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p206 as Sarah Lawson 9 OH. From the 1870 Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p111B Caroline Norris 19 OH lived with her parents, George and Lydia Lawson along with her son George Norris 1 OH.

Caroline charged George with willfully absence of three or more years and gross neglect.  She believed he lived in Waverly, Humphries Co, TN.  They had a son George b 25 Apr 1870.  A legal notice appeared in the Bryan Press, and a divorce was granted.  Caroline Norris married John Miller in Wms Co on 12 Aug 1875 (Marriage V4 p413).  According to the 1880 Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p465 Caroline Miller 30 OH widow lived with her parents George and Lydia Lawson and her son George Lawson Jr. 10 OH (adopted son  - her father adopted her son), and her daughter Jennie Miller 4 OH.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Noble


Lucinda Noble v William Noble (Journal 9 p151 - 20 June 1877; Roll 31 case number 206 - June 1877)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 2 Apr 1867 in Ravenna, Portage Co, OH.  Lucinda stated that the couple had two children, Lotta (9) and Minnie (7).  She wanted custody of the children as William had been willfully absent for three years or more and was not a resident of this county.  A legal notice ran in a local newspaper on 26 Apr 1877; shortly after the divorce was granted.

27 October 2010

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Nichter

Bonaparte Nichter v Susan Flora/Flowers Nichter

Debts of the Bigamist Bride, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1848

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Sometimes the husband was the last to know.  This genealogical detailing ponders the question, why didn't he know?  Here's what the records reveal.

Bonifatius Nuchter aka Bonaparte Nichter was married on 3 Aug 1845 in Wms Co, OH to Susan Flora or Flowers (Marriage V1 p84).  Bonaparte and his older brother Joseph were immigrants from Germany who settled in Wms Co between 1840-1845. Their oldest brother Jacob had inherited all the land and property of their father and so they, plus other siblings, decided to seek their fortunes in America. Their parents were Johannes Christian and Anna Katharina Wiegard Nuchter.  Another brother, Peter, settled in Fort Wayne, IN.

Bonaparte, b. 25 Mar 1808 in House #14, Unterstork, Fulda, Hesse, Germany, owned 80 acres in Sec 9 and 16, Brady Twp.  He and his brother gave one acre for a church site and burial ground eventually known as the Floral Grove Cemetery in West Unity. (The Advance Reporter, 1935.

According to the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court records (Roll 7 Box 22 case number 17 - July 1848) Bonaparte sued Susan for a divorce, claiming that they were married on 1 July 1845 in Brady Twp; after a year of marriage he learned that Susan was already married to a lawful husband in New Haven, Huron Co, OH.  At the time of Bonaparte's marriage Susan said she was single, but she knew she wasn't.  On 1 Aug 1846 Susan left the bed and board of Bonaparte and stuck him with debts contracted during the marriage.  Bonaparte stated that he had to pay off the creditors.  He summoned two witnesses, Adam and Rachel Nickerthina, who vouched for his claims against Susan.  The court quickly granted him a divorce in July 1848 based on this fraudulent contract.  Nothing further is known of Susan and apparently no criminal action was taken about Susan's bigamy.

The groom soon comforted his broken heart by marrying Anna Margaret Belaugh/Billow on 23 Nov 1848 in Wms Co (Marriage V2 p103).  The couple was enumerated in the 1850 Brady Twp federal census, p8B, as Bonaparte 35 DEU, Margaret 31 DEU, and Louisa 1/12 OH.  By the 1860 West Unity, Brady Twp federal census, p149b, they were listed as Bonaparte 52 DEU, Mary 42 DEU, Leora 10 OH, Margaret 7 OH, Jacob 6 OH, Caroline 4 OH, and Elizabeth 2 OH.

According to her obituary in The Advance Reporter, Apr 1900, Margaret was born in Nordheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany on 28 Nov 1819.  In 1844 she and her parents immigrated to this country.  She married Bonaparte and had seven children, four of whom survived her.  She was a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church and was buried beside her husband in the Floral Grove Cemetery.  Anna Margaret Nichter died on 8 Apr 1900 @80Y 4M 10D while Bonaparte died earlier on 2 July 1891 @83Y 3M 8D.  Their known children were Louisa Leora Karshner, Anna Margaret Lutz, Jacob, Caroline Schmucker, Elizabeth Kunkle, and possibly George.

When Bonaparte's will was probated (Probate #3222), he left Margaret the use of the home during her lifetime plus land and personal property to son Jacob and money to daughters Louisa ($5), Anna Margaret ($425), Elizabeth ($425), plus $100 to grandson Calvin Arthur Schmucker when he turned 21.  Louisa had received other money from him during his lifetime. 

With regard to his bigamous wife Susan, there are questions of curiosity to which we do not know the answers: How did Bonaparte find out about this fraud?  Did he know all the time and decided when Susan left him to bring this out in court?  Was his second, actually first wife, Margaret, the real reason behind this action?  Did money and debt play a bigger part in these proceedings?

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Nichols


Frances Eaton Skinner Nichols v Rufus Main Nichols (Roll 30 case number 79 - 25 Sept -Oct 1876; June 1877)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 15 or 21 Nov 1850, Gilead, Branch Co, MI.  According to the 1860 Millgrove Twp, Steuben Co, IN census p704, Frances 26 MA and daughter Clara 9 IN were enumerated in the HP and Elizabeth Twell family; on p701 of the same census location Rufus Nichols lived as Rufus 32 NY farmer along with Clinton Frim 19 MI day laborer. By the 1870 St Joseph Twp, Wms Co federal census, p39, the Nichols family was enumerated as Rufus 42 NY painter, Frances 39 MA, Clara 19 IN, Earnest 3 OH.  Frances was born in VT or MA on 19 Aug 1830.   Rufus Nichols, possible son of Joseph and Orilla Main Nichols, was born on 2 Feb 1828 in Tonawanda, Erie Co, NY.

Frances charged that Rufus was a habitual drunk.  On 24 Sept 1876 he prevented her from coming into their house and compelled her to seek shelter with others.  On 25 Sept 1876 he refused to let her in again.  He made no provisions for her or their son, Joseph Earnest (9).  Rufus held in fee simple Lots 101 and 102 in Edgerton; Frances brought a list of their personal property.  William Davis claimed an interest in the realty by way of a pretended mortgage.  A divorce was granted.

By the 1880 St Joseph Twp federal census, p9, Frances 50 MA-VT-MA divorced and her son Earnest 13 OH-NY-MA were living with Frances' daughter Clara 28 IN and her husband Albert Spangler 28 OH hardware salesman plus their children Truman 4 OH, Omar 2 OH, and male infant 6/12 Dec 1880 OH.  Their son Ernest died on 24 Sept 1887 of typhoid fever.  Burials in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Edgerton, showed son J. Ernest (1867-1887), mother Frances E (1830-1892), daughter Clara Spangler  (1851-1940), her husband Albert Spangler (1852-1918), and father Rufus M Nichols (1828- 23 Feb 1899).  Frances died on 22 Feb 1892, Wms Co (Death V2 p65).  

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Neff



By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 11 September 2012)

Catherine (Katie) Carlstadt/Karlstadt Neff v Joseph William Neff (Roll 40 Box 133 case number 1297 - 1 May 1884) - see McNutt

The couple was married, according to Katie, in Bryan, Wms Co on 2 Oct 1881, but no record has been found to substantiate this; however, the marriage date is correct for a ceremony performed in Defiance Co, OH between Catherine Karlstadt and Joseph William Neff.  Also note the surname can be spelled Carlstadt, Karlstadt, or other variations.

Catherine (Katie) Karlstadt, born Sept 1862 OH (1900 federal census) or March 1863 in Indiana (family group sheet in Williams Co, OH Public Library family file), daughter of Peter and Mary Troxel Walters Karlstadt, and Joseph Neff had a daughter Bessie May (b 20 Apr 1882, Bryan, Birth V2 p45).  Joseph, 28 Feb 1861, pos West Newton, Westmoreland Co, PA, was the son of John George and Mary Garver Neff, PA natives. 

The Neff household was enumerated in the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p29-30, as George 36 PA brickmaker, Mary 34 PA, Frank 14, Jane 13, James 11, Joseph 9 (all of PA), Christian 6 OH, Anna 4 OH, Isabelle 2 OH, Philetus 1/12 OH.  Stories of Fountain City, Van Gundy, 1975, p151, stated that John G. Neff, a native of Lancaster Co, PA, made bricks and tiles here c1868 and in 1881 he added a sawmill.  Many of the older Bryan buildings were built with his bricks. The Commemorative Biographical Record, 1899, p308, stated that the family came from Westmoreland Co, PA, and eventually moved here in 1861.  In the 1880 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p624A-B, the Neff household was listed as John G 46 PA, Mary 44 PA, James S 21 PA, Joseph W 19 PA laborer, Christopher 15 PA, Anna M 14 OH, Flora B 11 OH, George 9 OH, Charles 7 OH, Harry 6 OH, and Barbara Carlstadt 5 OH with parents born in Switzerland.  In the 1880 Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p640, Cathern Carlstadt 18 OH with parents both of Bavaria lived with the Jerome and Sarah Gleason family.

Katie charged Joseph with committing adultery with Lilly J. McNutt in the Bryan home of Harriet Whitman on 30 Dec 1883.  This happened again on 7 Jan 1884 and other days since then.  Katie stated that Joseph owned property and she gave a list of people who owed him money.  She called as witnesses the following people: Susie Hafer (a notorious madam of a house of prostitution), Ray, Marie, and Lillian Carlstadt, and John B. Jones.  Katie requested alimony and custody of their daughter.  A divorce was granted. 

Next Joseph married Mary Ella Bowlsby on 30 Aug 1887.  Mary Ella was born in Williams Co, OH on 21 Apr 1871.  The couple lived in Bryan according to the 1900 Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census, but moved to Palmer, Putnam Co, OH by 1910.  Mary Ella died on 16 Nov 1913.  The couple had a daughter, Hernas H, born Nov 1891.  After Ella’s death Joseph married a third wife, Carrie or Cassie Campbell, born 1871 in Ohio.  Joseph Neff died on 7 Oct 1932 in Ney, Defiance Co, OH.

Katie Neff married John Daniel Winch in Wms Co on 20 May 1888 (Marriage V5 #1233).  John was married to Catherine Beach who died on 13 Feb 1885 @29Y 2M 20D.  She was buried in the Bryan Fountain Grove Cemetery.  John (1853-1924), a native of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co, PA, was a foundry worker who was a hero for saving a tannery and stave mill on 4 Oct 1875 from blowing up.  He burned his hands while holding open a safety valve.  He was the son of John and Elizabeth Winch, natives of Germany and PA, respectively.  Upon his death on 28 July1924 in Defiance Co, OH, he was buried beside his first wife.  Kathryn Winch, aged 78 OH, widow, was still living in Defiance, Defiance Co, OH as enumerated in the 1940 federal census for that location.

Bessie May Neff, daughter of the divorced couple, married Fred H Porter on 24 Dec 1906 in Defiance Co, OH.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Neer


Sarah A. Moore Neer v Abraham Eden Neer
Mary Saloma Neidhart Neer v George  S. Neer

Squabble over a Sewing Machine as Mr. Neer Goes Too Far, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1868

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The wife had property that belonged to her such as a colt, a wagon, sheep, a heifer, chairs, a cook stove, and a sewing machine.  When her husband threatened to take these things and put them in the hands of another she became alarmed.  When he beat her with a boot she took notice.  When he left her to fend for herself and their child, she made a trip to Bryan and filed for divorce.  This is the case of Mr. Neer going too far (away).

Abraham Eden Neer, parentage unknown, was born in 1842, OH.  Abraham enlisted in Co G 68th OVI on 13 Dec 1861 and was promoted to full corporal on 1 Apr 1863.  He was wounded at Champion Hills, MS on 16 May 1863; later he advanced to the rank of sergeant on 1 Nov 1864 and was mustered out of the service on 10 July 1865 at Louisville, KY. 

He married Sarah A. Moore in Camden, Hillsdale Co, MI on 24 June 1866.  Sarah, parentage unknown, would become the mother of JB Neer (gender unknown) sometime between 1866-Nov 1868 when Sarah filed for divorce in the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court (Roll 19 case number 123).  Wms Co, OH records show a daughter, Cora L, born 5 Nov 1872, NW Twp to Abraham Neer and Mary S. Hassie/Haines (Births V1 p45).   The 1880 California, Branch Co, MI federal census, p524A, listed Abram E. Neer 38 OH peddler, Mary S 30 OH, and Cora L 7 MI.  There is evidence that this is the errant ex-husband who left on 4 Nov 1867, threatening to take all the above mentioned goods and chattel and deposit them with George Neer, while he, Abram, traveled to Bay City, MI.  The court granted Sarah Neer a divorce.  Note that in The Bryan Democrat, 28 Nov 1868 p2 a divorce was announced in the Common Pleas summary for November term for Sarah A. Neer v George Neer.

There was another Neer divorce in this county, dealing with George S. Neer, the son of Eden and Phebe Neer.  George, b1852, Wms Co, OH, married Mary Saloma Neidhart on 16 Nov 1872, Wms Co (Marriages V4 p249).  Mary, the daughter of Jacob and Saloma Neidhart, was born c1855, OH; her parents were early settlers of Center Twp.  The Neers were the parents of at least three children, all born in Center Twp, Lila Gertrude (11 May 1874), Cora E (28 Aug 1876), and William B (10 Feb 1882).  In Apr 1876 Mary S. Neer stated in court (Roll 30 case number 36) that George had abandoned her and daughter Lila Gertrude on 4 Apr 1876 and had left them without money for food or clothing.  Note that Mary was pregnant at this time. George had real estate and personal property that Mary wanted.  The court dismissed the case without any reasons (probably due to her pregnancy) and the couple remained married.  They were enumerated in the 1880 Center Twp federal census, p614A as George S. 28 OH, Mary S 26 OH, Gertrude 6 OH, Cora E 4 OH, and Phebe M 1 OH.  Whether they remained a couple after the birth of their son William or any other particulars of this couple is unknown.

When Mary's father, Jacob Nihart, died on 4 May 1883 @55Y 6M 2D in Wms Co (Deaths V2 p22), Jacob left a will that was witnessed by Mary's father-in-law, Eden Neer.  Saloma Nihart, Mary's mother, died on 19 Apr 1889 @56Y 6M 11D and was buried beside her husband in Brown Cemetery, Center Twp.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Narragang

Samuel Narragang v Mary “Polly” Overholt Narragang (Journal 4 p156 - Sept 1851; Roll 8 Box 22 case number 1 - 10 Feb 1851)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 11 October 2011)

The couple was married in Upper Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co, PA on 26 Oct 1821.  Mary Overholt was born on 28 Sept 1801; she was the daughter of William and Gertrude Kulp Overholt.  In the 1850 Jefferson Twp federal census, p25B, the husband was listed as Samuel 49 PA and daughter Mary 17 PA.  In the 1850 Wadsworth, Medina Co, OH federal census Polly Overholt lived with her brother Martin and his family.

Samuel charged that on 1 Nov 1839 they moved to Wadsworth, Medina Co, OH and on 18 Aug 1843 Mary left him.  He moved to Jefferson Twp, Wms Co on 1 May 1850.  A legal notice was placed in the Equal Rights newspaper, Feb 1851.  From the Issue Docket, Clerk of Courts, 1848-1852, in September 1851, Samuel Narragang sued his wife Mary for divorce; the divorce was decreed and the "widow" was granted $125 to be paid 90 days from *** of court or execution issued.   Note - I saw the word "widow" and have reported this as such; I have no idea why that term was used as Samuel was very much alive for quite a few years after this.

A Mary Overholt Nargan, probably Samuel's daughter, married Reuben B. Crotser in Wms Co on 5 Feb 1852 (Marriage V2 p121). In the 1860 Madison Twp federal census, PO West Unity p204A-205, Samuel Nargang 59 PA lived with the John and Mary Ebaugh family. Neighbors were Solomon Lehman 38 PA, his wife Nancy 37 PA, and Isaac Smith 15 OH. By the 1870 Madison Twp federal census, p1, Samuel was listed as 60 PA along with Nancy Lehman 40 OH, and Lehman children Daniel 16 OH, Martha 11 OH, and Mary 9 OH. 

Samuel died prior to 30 Dec 1872 (Probate #1552) leaving Isaac Smith as the administrator of his estate.  John Kerr, Alpheus Hendricks, and Amos Johnson were sureties.  Samuel left no widow but his letters of administration showed his heirs were Nancy Lehman (Mrs. William) of Wms Co and Mary Crotzer of Kalamazoo Co, MI.  Also posted as heirs were the heirs of Elizabeth Hamilton (Mrs. Benjamin), deceased (Samuel, Benjamin, Joseph, and David Hamilton) and the heirs of Joseph Narragang (Hannah Briggs), deceased (Norton, Elizabeth, Cashius, Viola, and Nancy Narragang).  Nancy Lehman and Ellary Crotzer were notified of the sale of Samuel's property in Wms Co, OH and Monroe Co, MI.

Mary Overholt Narragang died on 18 Oct 1869 and was buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Wadsworth, Medina Co, OH.

26 October 2010

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Mowdy


Joseph Mowdy v Polly Mowdy (Journal 5 p610 - 13 Mar 1860; p632 - 17 Mar 1860; Roll 14 case number 28 - Mar 1860)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple according to Joseph was married in Wms Co on 30 Mar 18**, although no marriage record has currently been discovered.  In Rings Cemetery there was a burial for Eliza Mowdy, wife of Joseph, who died on 29 June 1847 @36Y 3M 11D.  According to the Bryan Democrat, 8 Dec 1870, Joseph was born in Warren Co, VA on 14 Oct 1790 and later traveled to Kentucky and Ohio when he married Eliza Connel.  They settled in LaFayette, Wms Co c1844.  In actuality the household of Joseph Mowdy was listed in the 1840 Jefferson twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p227 and showed Joseph, probably wife Eliza, with 4 girls and 3 boys.

He published a notice of attachment against Otis Greeley, an absconding debtor, on 27 Oct 1847.  In the 1850 Jefferson Twp federal census, p22B, the Mowdy family was listed as Joseph 49 VA, Mary 48 NY, John 19 OH, Mary 17 OH, George 14 OH, Martin 5 OH, and John McKinsey 28 OH carpenter; therefore, sometime between the death of wife Eliza and the 1850 census of 9 Sept 1850 Joseph married Mary "Polly". Since the surname has been found as Mondy, Monday, or Moudy, records for this family need to be carefully searched.  The errant Polly could be a Mrs. McKinsey as there was a young man old enough to be her issue with the Mowdy family in the 1850 census.   By the 1860 West Unity, Brady Twp federal census, p153a, Joseph 60 VA lived with his son John and family; Polly was not listed. 

He stated that Polly was willfully absent for more than three years.  A legal notice was placed in the local newspaper and he was granted a divorce. In the 1870 Brady Twp federal census, p1, Joseph still resided with his son John; Joseph was listed as 65 KY without occupation.  He died on 1 Dec 1870 @71Y 1M 17D and was buried in Rings Cem, West Unity.  

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Moulton


Abraham Moulton v Matilda Clarissa Palmer Moulton

Solitary Soul Died in County Infirmary, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1881

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

"She had refused to live with him and had abandoned his bed and board being willfully absent for three years or more."  This is a standard quote found in many divorce cases in this county.  One wonders why and how living alone or with relatives would be preferable to continuing as a spouse and mother of eight children.  In the case of this genealogical detailing the wife did choose to leave her husband and at the end of her life she wound up alone in the Williams County Infirmary.

Abraham Moulton, b1824 OH, the son of John and Nancy Williams Moulton, was married in Richland Co, OH on 22 May 1845 (Marriages V4 p271) to Matilda Clarissa Palmer, b1825 PA, parentage unknown.  By 1850 this family was not listed in the federal census records for this county, but the Moulton family appeared in the 1860 Brady Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census, p136b, as Abraham 36 OH, Matilda 34 PA, Joseph 13 OH, Salina 12 OH, Sarah 10 OH, Walter 7 OH, Cyrus 6 OH, and Adazella 4 OH.  Abraham's occupation was itinerant laborer so he may not have provided a stable residence.  The Moultons are not found in the 1870 federal census for this county as a couple but Matilda and five of her children were enumerated in the 1870 German Twp, Fulton Co, OH federal census p114A. Abraham was listed in the 1870 Irving, Barry Co, MI federal census p178B living with a William Moulton family.  Abraham was not listed in the 1864, 1874, 1894, or 1904 Wms Co, OH Atlases nor was he found in the 1867 personal property taxpayers listing for this county. 

Abraham appeared in the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court records (Journal 11 - Mar 1881; Roll 36 case number 891 - 28 Apr 1881).   He told the court that his wife had abandoned him.  This is substantiated by the 1880 Springfield Twp federal census which listed Clarissa Moulton 59 PA-PA-PA as head of household with Charles E 19 OH, Cyrus W 26 OH, Walter H 28 OH with his wife and child, and Joseph 34 OH with his family.  Abraham was enumerated in the 1880 Madison Twp federal census, p481C, as Abraham 57 OH-VT-NY, father-in-law to JD Esterline, his wife Almira Moulton Esterline, and grandfather to their two sons.  Abraham and Clarissa did not have any minor children at the time of the divorce filing.  The divorce was granted but no further information was included in the records as to alimony or division of personal property.

The Moultons were the parents of the following eight children: Joseph A (1846 OH - ?, m1 Rebecca J. Fries, 4 Feb 1875, Wms Co, OH [Marriages V4 p380]; m2 Olive Fries); Salina (1848 OH - ?, m Jacob H. Esterline, 26 Mar 2870, Wms Co [Marriages V4 p104]); Sarah A (1850 OH - ?, m Jacob Sines, 7 Sept 1867, Wms Co [Marriages V3 p708]); Walter H (1852 OH - 5 Dec 1894, Wms Co [Deaths V3 p83], m Rachel Anna Fries, 16 Oct 1878, Wms Co [Marriages V4 p483]); Cyrus W (1853 OH - 4 Feb 1929; m Mary Josephine Gilcher, 28 Dec 1897, Wms Co [Marriages V7 #478]); Almira Adazella (20 May 1854 OH - 6 Apr 1882; m1 __ Kurtz; m2 JD Esterline, 31 Oct 1872, Wms Co [Marriages V4 p246]); Charles E (7 Aug 1860 – 5 Jan 1939, m Sarah A Hauer, 19 Sept 1884, Wms Co [Marriages V5 #522]).

Abraham's death took place on 13 Dec 1896 at the Poor Farm, Barry Co, MI.  Matilda's obituary in The Bryan Democrat, 4 Mar 1910, p8, reduced her life to four lines of newspaper type: "Matilda Moulton died Feb 19 at 2:45 o'clock at the Williams County Infirmary at the age of 85 years."  Her death certificate placed her death on 23 Feb 1910.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Mott


Catherine Metzger Mott v Francis Marion Mott (Journal 11 p223 - 14 Nov 1881; Roll 36 case number 855 - Jan 1881)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Wms Co on 4 July 1875 (Marriage V4 p341).  Catherine, b1843 OH, was the daughter of Jacob and Sarah Metzgar; they were listed in the 1870 Jefferson Twp federal census, p12, as Sarah 69 PA, Mary 41 OH, Catherine 27 OH, William 23 OH, and Goldie 7 OH. Prior to that the Jacob Metzger family lived in Franklin, Columbiana Co, OH in 1860.

Francis, probably the son of Stephen and Elizabeth Mankin Mott, was born in 1848 OH.   The Stephen Mott family was enumerated in the 1850, 1860 and 1870 Jefferson Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census. By the 1880 Superior Twp federal census, p17, the Motts were listed as Marion 32 OH and Cate 37 OH. 

Catherine stated that Francis was guilty of neglect of duty and gross neglect.  He was a habitual drunk for the past three years or more.  On 20 Dec 1880 he threatened her.  She lived in Montpelier where she had purchased real estate with her own money.  The action was dismissed.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Morgan


Mary Richards Morgan v George W. Morgan (Journal 12 p334 - 15 July 1884; Journal 13 p80 - 26 Mar/June 1885; Roll 40 case number 1255 - 19 Jan 1884)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Bryan, Wms Co on 9 May 1883 (Marriage V5 #343).  Mary, a resident of OH for ten years, stated that George had a former wife to whom he was still legally married.  He abandoned her and she had to live on the charity of friends.  She did not know where he lived.  A legal notice appeared in the Bryan Democrat, 8 Oct 1884; after several continuances a divorce was granted.

25 October 2010

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Moore (William)


Martha M. Dickerson Moore v William Moore (Journal 8 p78 - 30 Oct 1872; Roll 24 case number 85 - Oct 1872)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in North Bloomfield Twp, Morrow Co, OH on 1 Sept 1859.  The Moore family was enumerated in the 1860 Jefferson Twp, Wms Co federal census, p171B, as William 30 OH, Martha 24 OH, Mary 1/12 OH, and Harvey *Ly 4 OH.  Note that Harvey may not be the issue of this couple.  According to Martha they had the following children: Mary Jane (b 11 May 1860), James Addison (b 11 Oct 1862), William Asa (b 8 Feb 1867), and another deceased child by 1872.  She charged that on 10 Apr 1869 William was extremely cruel to her.  A legal notice appeared in the Bryan Press.

William's answer to the court was that Martha was guilty of adultery with unknown men in Mansfield, OH between 18 Sept 1870-1 Jan 1871 at a house of ill fame for more than three months.  William countersued in North Bloomfield, Morrow Co, OH because he wanted the three children.  He said that Martha was willfully absent on 29 June 1872.  This case was dismissed in Wms Co. Sons James and Willy Moore lived with their father according to the 1870 Morrow Co, OH federal census; if would also appear that William Moore lived with his parents, William and Jane Moore.  Martha may be the daughter of Isaac and Charity Van Kirk Dickerson but more research is needed to verify.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Moore (Joseph)


Anna Moore v Joseph Moore (Journal 7 p348 - 2 Nov 1869)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

There was no information as to when the couple was married.  Joseph had committed adultery with Rachel J. Hardesty.  Anna wanted custody of the minor child, Emma.  It appears that a divorce was granted.  According to the 1870 St. Joseph twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p241B, Anna Moore 23 OH and Emma Moore 3 OH lived with John Stoots 48 Wurtemberg and Christina 45 Wurtemberg plus their children; Anna was listed as domestic servant.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Moon


Mary Ann Harger Barnes Moon v George Moon (Journal 8 p76 - 30 Oct 1872; Roll 24 case number 84 - Oct 1872)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 23 November 2014)

The couple was married in Wms Co on 25 Nov 1864 (Marriage V3 p409).  Mary was the widow of William G. Barnes.  She was born near Kenton, Hardin Co, OH on 15 May 1826 and moved to Bryan c1855.


9 Jan 1848, Stark Co, OH, Mary Harger married William Banid (Barnes)

1850 Sugar Creek Twp, Wayne Co, OH
Barns, William T Jr 24 PA laborer
Mary 23 OH
Elizabeth 1 OH
Lauretta 1/12 OH
William T Sr 65 PA shoemaker
Jesse 40 (m) PA no occup

1860 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p36-37, as William G. Bamia/Barnes 32 PA teamster, Mary 31 OH, Elizabeth 11 OH, Loretta 9 OH, Rovella 3 OH, and Emma 1 OH, plus Peter Laubaugh 29 PA.


1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p19, the family was listed as Mary Moon 41 OH head of house, Loretta Barnes 20 OH dressmaker, Rovilla Barnes 15 OH, Emma Barnes 12 OH, and Franklin 9 OH.  She and husband William Barnes had the following children: 


Elizabeth, 1849
Loretta, 1851
Rovella Rice, 1857
Emma Josephine 16 Sept 1859 – 18 June 1931l married Charles Edward Miller, 1880
Franklin. 1861

Mary charged George Moon with being willfully absent for three years or more.  Her divorce was granted.

On 22 June 1873 in Wms Co she married Andrew J. Dubois (Marriage V4 p283); Andrew was the son of John Henry and Mary Reaves DuBois and was born on 1 Apr 1836 in Schenectady, Schenectady Co, NY. Mary and Andrew were enumerated in the 1880 Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census. Andrew died in Bryan on 28 Apr 1885.

Mary passed away on 26 Apr 1894 @68Y and was buried in Fountain Grove Cemetery in Bryan.  Her estate was probated on 3 May 1894 (#3495).  At the time of her death she had three daughters and one son.  Her obituary in The Bryan Democrat, 3 May 1894 p8 c3 did not mention her marriages to Barnes and Moon; there was also no mention of DuBois.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Mills


Richmond M. Mills v Rosa H. Bridinger Mills (Journal 12 p430 - 22 Dec 1884; Journal 14 p352 - 11 June 1888; Journal 15 p69 - 1888; Roll 47 case number 2085 - 4 June 1889)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 11 Jan 1877 in Wms Co (Marriage V4 p45).  Richmond, born 27 Mar 1834 NY, was the son of Minor and Hannah/Martha Wood Mills. According to the 1860 St. Joseph federal census p110a, the Mills family was listed as LN 28 NY, Hannah 62 NY, Richmond 26 NY, Lois 28 NY, and William J 22 NY. By the 1870 St. Joseph Twp federal census p12, the family appeared as Richmond 35 NY, Hannah 72 NY, Lois 27 NY, and Nathaniel Hutchins 13 OH.  In the 1880 St. Joseph Twp federal census p590D, the family was listed as Richmond 40 NY, Rosa 19 OH with German parentage, William 3 OH, and Martha 1 OH.  Richmond and Rosa Mills had the following children: William G (19 Mar 1876 – 5 July 1913), John Keenan (b 19 Mar 1877), Martha H. (b 7 Feb 1879), and Mary Ann (b 14 Dec 1880).  Note that on William Mills' tombstone inscription in Maple Grove Cemetery, Edgerton, his birth date was 1876, making him issue before the marriage or the son of another. 

From the 1870 Richland Twp, Defiance Co, OH federal census p164A the Bridinger family was enumerated as George Bridinger 41 Wurtemberg, Hannah 37 Saxony, Rosa 9 OH, Matilda 7 OH, Henry 4 OH, and David 1 OH.  Rosa’s parents were George and Hanna Richard Bridinger.  According to the 1880 Ferris, Montcalm Co, MI federal census, Rosa was living with her mother and siblings; her father had died sometime between 1870-1880. Note that Rosa was listed twice in the 1880 federal census – once with her husband in Ohio and once with her mother in Michigan.

The court initially continued the case but Richmond charged Rosa with being willfully absent for five years plus he wished custody of the children.  A legal notice appeared in the Bryan Press.  A divorce was granted, but on 11 June 1888 a criminal action was brought against Richmond and Caroline Stirtz for cohabiting in adultery. The defendants claimed that they were not guilty. The Edgerton Earth, 5 Nov 1915, p5, reported Richmond's demise on 2 Nov 1915. The Maple Grove Cemetery showed burials for Richmond M. Mills (1834-1915), his son William, and his sister Lois N Mills, who was incorrectly identified in the cemetery records as Richmond's wife. 

Rose Bridinger Mills married George O. Spaulding in Charlotte, Eaton Co, MI on 15 June 1889.  According to their marriage license she was born in 1862 NY; George was born in NY c1854; his parents were John and Maria Jackson Spaulding. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Miller (Jacob)


Nancy Ann Patterson Miller v Jacob Miller (Journal 5 p476 - 7 July 1856; Roll 10 case number 30 - July 1856)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Berlin, Stark Co, OH on 1 Mar 1850 (Marriage B p340) by George Holtz, JP. Note the record showed 21 Mar 1850 as the marriage date.  By the 1850 Pulaski Twp federal census, p87B, the couple was listed as Jacob 24 PA shoemaker and Nancy 24 OH. 

Nancy charged that on 10 May 1853-20 May 1856 Jacob was extremely cruel.  He threatened to take custody of their three children, Clark (5), William (3), and Phoebe (1 1/2) and move out of the state.  She obtained a restraining order from the court for this and to keep him from selling and disposing of the real estate.  Jacob appeared and did not want this divorce.  The action was dismissed.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Miller (Daniel)


Mary J. Springer Miller v Daniel Miller (Journal 7 p589-590 - 2 Nov 1871; Roll 23 case number 86 - Oct 1871)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Bryan, Wms Co on 29 Feb 1868, and they had a daughter, Huldah Miller (3). Mary was the daughter of Levi and Mary Jane Hendricks Springer, listed in the 1870 Jefferson Twp federal census, p29, as Levi Springer 62 MD, Mary 65 MD, Mary J. 30 OH, Willis F 6 OH.  The Springers came from Harrison Co, OH and Hancock Co, OH.

On 1 Aug 1868 Daniel abandoned Mary and had been willfully absent for three years or more.  He did not make any provision for food or clothing.  Mary stated that she had to do manual labor.  They had a minor daughter, Huldah. She wanted the divorce, alimony, and the restoration of her maiden name, which the court awarded along with $500.

Mary Jane Springer married Josiah F. Caszatt on 22 Feb 1872 in Wms Co (marriage V4 p209); Josiah, born Apr 1837 OH, was the son of Henry and Margaret Hamilton Caszatt.  Henry lived in Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH c1860 with three children.  From the 1880 Northwest Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p440, Hulda Miller 13 OH lived with her grandmother Mary Jane Springer 76 MD.  According to the 1880 and the 1900 Lincoln Twp, Isabella Co, MI federal census Josiah F. Caszatt was a widower, so the presumption is that Mary Jane died sometime between 1873 (birth of daughter, Elba O Caszatt) and the 1880 federal census.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Metzler

George Byron Metzler v Arvilla Sedalia Hart Metzler - (see Hart divorce proceedings)

Illegitimate Child Briefly Kept Couple Together, No Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1886 – see Porter (when posted)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 5 Feb 2011 )

A husband planned to obtain a divorce because his wife was unfaithful.  She became pregnant with a third party's child and delivered a live son.  The court then told the husband that there would be no divorce unless more evidence of adultery was presented.  The child died, the couple may have reconciled, the wife died soon after, and the husband disappeared.  Such is the genealogical detailing of this tragic situation.

Abraham Metzler and wife Margaret Markle appeared in the 1850 Jefferson Twp federal census, p27, as Abraham 35 PA, Margaret 34 OH, Julia Anne 9 OH, Sarah 8 OH, and Mary 6 OH.  By the 1860 federal census for that township the family changed to A 44 PA, Margaret 42 OH, Julia 18 OH, Mary 15 OH, Elizabeth 10 OH, Angeline 7 OH, Laura 5 OH, George 2 OH, and Jeneva 2 OH.  Abraham owned land in Sec 3 of Jefferson Twp as found in atlases for 1864-1894.  The family was again found in the 1870 Jefferson Twp federal census, p35, as Abraham 55 PA, Margaret 53 OH, Elizabeth 18 OH, Laura 15 OH, George 13 OH.  By 1880 son George was 22 OH single, living with his parents.

George Byron Metzler, apparently a fraternal twin, born on 10 Sept 1857 in Williams Co, OH, married Arvilla Sedelia Hart in Morenci, Lenawee Co, MI on 3 Apr 1884.  Arvilla, the daughter of George W and Rosetta Hammond/Taylor Hart (mother's maiden name could be Barrus - see Roseta Hart v George W. Hart divorce proceedings in another post), was born on 3 June 1867.  The Harts lived in Brady Twp and were found in the 1880 federal census for that township, p514A, as George W 45 OH engineer, Rosetta 51 OH, George W 10 OH, Sedalia A 13 OH.  Given the fact that Sedalia was underage, the couple eloped to Michigan.

According to the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court records (Journal 13 p481 - 2 Apr 1886; Roll 43 Box 146 case number 1578 - Mar 1886) George accused Arvilla of adultery on 25 Nov 1884 at their home in West Unity with Whit Porter or Pointer.  Arvilla had a child born out of wedlock, b 15 June 1885.  George wanted a divorce and Arvilla wanted a reasonable alimony.  The court denied the divorce and the proceedings were dismissed. 

Sedalia A. died on 3 Jan 1887 @19Y 7M and was buried in the Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity, Oh, beside her son Clarence V. Metzler, who died on 29 Apr 1886 @10M 14D.  Clarence's tombstone stated "son of GB and SA." George died on 5 Apr 1913 in Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH and was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, OH. George’s older sister, Elizabeth Metzler Porter, also filed for and received a divorce from her husband, Abraham Porter.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Melze


Angeline Melze v Louis A. Melze (Journal 12 p37 - 2 Mar 1883; Roll 38 case number 1096 - Mar 1883)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Angeline said she was guilty of adultery and she paid court costs.  Louis paid $25 in alimony.  They were not married in Wms Co, OH.  A divorce was granted.  In the 1880 Philadelphia, PA federal census there was a single man, Louis Melze, 35 MI doctor listed as a boarder in a hotel.  Dr. Melze lived in Detroit, MI between 1890-1891. By 1900 in South Town, Chicago, Cook Co, IL, LA Melze was recorded as born Feb 1849 (50) OH of French parentage, a divorced physician; Dr. Melze died in Chicago on 28 Dec 1905.  Currently it is unknown if he was the ex-husband of the unknown Angeline.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Meek


Samuel Meek v Harriet Dodd Meek (Journal 8 p319 - 4 Mar 1875; Roll 26 case number 117 - 1875) – see Dodd

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 19 Apr 1864 in Bryan, Wms Co (Marriage V3 p374).  From the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p49, they were listed as Samuel 30 OH laborer and Harriett 26 OH. Samuel charged that on 1 Nov 1872 in the house of Charles E. Meek of Napoleon, Henry Co, OH Harriet committed adultery with Charles and has continued to cohabit with him.  What relation this Charles had to Samuel, if any, is not currently known. A divorce was granted. 

In the 1880 Defiance, Defiance Co, OH federal census p25, Samuel Meecks 37 OH plasterer was listed with wife Mary I 22 OH and son John 2 OH.  Whether this is the subject of this divorce has not been currently determined, but if so, this Samuel was the son of George and Haley Smith Meek and he died in Defiance on 4 Dec 1912; his widow, Mary Westrick Meeks died there on 18 June 1923.

Harriet Augusta Dodd, daughter of Peter M. and Eliza Donley Dodd, was born in Defiance, OH on 11 Apr 1844; Harriet lived with Charles Edward Meeks according to the 1880 federal census along with a Cora, aged four.  Harriet’s father, Peter Dodd, was also the subject of a Williams County divorce.  By the 1910 Defiance, Defiance Co, OH federal census p1B, Augusta H. Meeks is 62 with marital status of divorced, so presumably she divorced Charles Edward Meek(s). She died in Defiance, OH on 12 July 1916 with Charles Meek supplying the information on the death certificate; she was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, OH as the wife of Charles E. Meeks, a Civil War veteran of Co D 38th OVI, born Feb 1847, who later died c1920 and was also buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Meach


John A. Meach v Rhoda Sprague Meach (Journal 6 p29 - 25 May 1860; p148 - 26 Nov 1861; Roll 15 case number 46 - Nov 1861)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Swancreek Twp, Fulton Co, OH on 15 July 1856.  John, the son of Abel and Charity Mack Meech, was born in Lowell, Oneida Co, NY on 15 Feb 1816. He first tied the knot with Lydia Ann Housel on 31 July 1845 in Akron, Summit Co, OH. In the 1850 Fulton Co, OH federal census index John Meach was listed as 34 NY along with Lydia 27 OH, and children William 4 OH and Martha 1 OH.  Lydia died on 12 June 1856 in Delta, Fulton Co, OH.

He brought to court the witnesses of his marriage to Rhoda, Charity and Jacob Fashbaugh, and the officiating minister, William McKee.  John said Rhoda was willfully absent for three years and on 10 Jan 1860 she committed adultery with Alexander or Philander Allen in Fulton Twp, Fulton Co, OH, and Allen passed her off as his wife.  A divorce was awarded.  On 20 Jan 1862 in Williams Co, OH he married Sarah Sigler and in the 1870 Pulaski Twp federal census, p4, John Meech 55 NY appeared with his family Sarah (Sigler), 35 OH, Emmett 5 OH, Ellen 4 OH, William 2 OH, and Clark 5/12 OH. John died on 13 Aug 1896, Wms Co (Death V3 p83).  His widow, Sarah, died on 17 May 1919 in Center Twp, Williams Co, OH.

Errant wife Rhoda possibly married Henry Spaulding on 3 May 1875, Fulton Co, OH (Marriage V3 p456). Rhoda may have been married once before to John Sprague; if so, her maiden name was Warner.  Nothing more is currently known of her.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - McQuarie


Duncan McQuarie v Charity M. McQuarie (Journal 6 p259-260 - 4 Dec 1862; Roll 16 case number 13)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)


The couple was married in Detroit, MI, on 11 Mar 1854.  Duncan charged that on 11 July 1862 Charity lived in Mospeth, Canada West, having willfully abandoned him.  A divorce was granted.  In the 1880 Deedsville, Miami Co, IN federal census, p458A, Duncan 54 CAN shoemaker resided with widow Mary J. Leedy 45 MI and her children Savilla 16 IN, Olive 14 IN, and Elbert 8 IN.  Nothing further is currently known of Charity.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - McNutt


Lilly J. McNutt v Robert McNutt (Journal 12 p265 - 12 Apr 1884; p435 - 22 Dec 1884; Roll 40 case number 1232) - see Neff (when posted)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 7 July 1874 in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH.  Lilly, a resident of Ohio for 16 years, charged Robert with willfully abandoning her and their son, Freddie (8) on 10 Sept 1880.  The action was continued and later dismissed, even though the legal notice appeared in the "Edgerton Observer", 22 Feb 1884, for six consecutive weeks.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - McNary


Susan R. Carroll McNary v James R. McNary

Eldest Children of Early Williams County Settlers - Divorce, 1872

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

If one finds a direct relationship with any of the principals in this genealogical detailing, one may file application papers to the First Families of Williams Co, OH.  Children of these early settlers often married and some were separated by death while others chose to separate in life.  Such is this story.

Philetus Gleason was born 24 June 1814, Tompkins Co, NY and married Jane Douglas, 13 Sept 1835.  In Oct 1835 the couple came to Springfield Twp and later Pulaski Twp where Jane died 29 Apr 1854.  They had six known children: George B., Jerome D., Lettie Jane, Sidney M., Emily E., and Alfred F.  Philetus needed a helpmate to raise his children and he found her in the form of Mrs. Mary Bostater McNary whom he married here on 1 Mar 1855 (V2 p154).  The Gleasons became parents of Emma L., Charles E., and Alvin Frank.  Mary Boastater McNary Gleason's mother, Agnes Gantz Bostater 79 PA also lived in the Bryan residence of Philetus Gleason in 1860 but died  on 14 Dec 1865.  Her husband, John Bostater, b.1773 in Hagarstown, Washngton Co, MD, had died on 24 Jan 1849 in Georgetown  (Ney), Defiance Co, OH. 

In the 1850 Washington Twp, Defiance Co, OH federal census p65, the McNary family was listed as Samuel 35 VA cabinet maker, Mary 32 PA, James 11 OH, Harriet 9 OH, William 7 OH, John 6 OH, Juliet M 1 OH, and Agnes Bostater 69 PA.  Our story deals with the oldest son, James R. McNary, b. 1839, OH, a Civil War vet. 

James married neighbor, Susan R. Carroll, 19 Dec 1867, Wms Co (V3 p740).  Susan Carroll was the eldest daughter of William and Sarah Evans Carroll who were married here, 17 Sept 1837 (V1 p26).  William Carroll was a native of Maryland while his bride hailed from New Brunswick, Canada.  William is enumerated in the 1840 Tiffin Twp, Wms Co, OH (now Defiance Co) federal census. A close neighbor was Isaac Evans and his family who may be relatives to William’s wife, Sarah. William and his family lived in Evansport-Tiffin Twp and were enumerated in the 1850 federal census for Defiance Co, OH p50 as William 37 MD pearl ash maker, Sarah 32 New Brunswick, Susan R 10 OH, Thomas R 8 OH, William J 6 OH, Edwin E 4/12 OH.  By the 1860 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p53A, the family moved and they appear as William Carroll 47 MD with Sarah 40 New Brunswick, Susan R. 20 OH domestic, Thomas 18 OH clerk, William 15 OH farm labor, and Edwin 11 OH.  The Old Evansport Cemetery in Defiance Co, OH also shows tombstone inscriptions for two youngsters born to this family, David S. and Isaac E.

According to Journal 8 p41 and Roll 24 (#45) of the Williams County Civil and Criminal Court Records, Susan McNary sued her husband for a divorce in May 1872 stating that he had been willfully absent for three years and had left the state.  Apparently there were no living children as there is no mention of minors.  Susan was granted a divorce and was restored to her maiden name, Carroll.

Into this native Wms Co, OH mix came a Prussian born shoemaker who set up shop in Bryan and married Mary M. Gerst in Wms Co on 10 Nov 1867 (Marriage V 3 p731).  William Kapelsky, b 1833, and his wife Mary M. b 1852, IL, were parents of Harmon, Adolph, Albert, Wilhelm, and Ellen.  The Kapelski family was listed in the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p21 as William 37 Prussia shoemaker, Mary 21 IL, Harmon 2 OH, and Adolph 1 OH.  In 1881 Kapelsky owned a saloon in Bryan on W. Edgerton St. Whether he died or left for parts unknown, Mrs. Mary Kapelsky married James R. McNary, 8 July 1884 (V5 #503) in Wms Co.  The new couple had a son, JR McNary, b. 11 Sept 1885, Bryan. In the 1910 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p160, the McNary family lived on Center Street and was listed as James 71 OH married 26Y with 8 children/ 2 surviving, wife Mary 52 IL, and children Ray 24 OH, and Beulah 18 OH.  

Father James McNary was a member of the GAR of Bryan, Evans Post, and died in Sept 1926.  His wife Mary, who died 1930, plus three of her Kapelsky children were buried with James in Fountain Grove Cem.  James' mother Mary Gleason (1817-1902) and stepfather Philetus Gleason (1814-1891) are also buried there.

In the 1880 Village of Pulaski, Pulaski Twp federal census p617C William Carroll was enumerated as 67 MD with wife Sarah 63 New Brunswick, and their daughter Susan R 40 OH dressmaker. Susan Carroll lived only until Dec 1888 and would later be joined in Shiffler Cem, Jefferson Twp, Wms Co by her parents, William Carroll (1813-1889) and Sarah (1816-1896).  Susan's brother William J. Carroll ran a grocery store in Bryan.