Divorce Action in Williams Co, OH - Schamp

John H. Schamp v Jennie Jones Schamp

Further Aggravation for the Family of a Murdered Youngster, Divorce in Williams Co, OH, 1882

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Much has been written about the murder of little four-year-old David Schamp in Jefferson Twp, Wms Co, OH, on 13 June 1847.  His family would suffer greatly from this senseless carnage at the hands of an old man with a forbidding countenance, Andrew F. Tyler, and a 16 year-old imbecile, Daniel Heckerthorne.  On 26 Jan 1849 Tyler was hung in Bryan and Heckerthorne whose sentence was commuted to life imprisonment would die sometime after 1860.  The Schamp family experienced other forms of grief as well.

Peter David Schamp, b. c.30 June 1813 in NJ married Anna Elizabeth Housell who was also b. NJ, 29 Dec 1818.  In 1840 the couple resided in Bridgewater, Somerset Co, NJ. and would later move to Wayne Co, OH where several of their ten children were born; the two oldest were buried there. Sometime in 1844 Schamp and his family settled in Jefferson Twp, Wms Co, OH and he farmed 240 acres there.  He also pursued the occupations of shoemaker and veterinarian.  Peter and Anna would live to see eight of their children die young and only have their fourth son and their youngest daughter live to adulthood.  These children were all buried in Floral Grove Cem, West Unity, Brady Twp, Wms Co, OH.  Six youngsters were buried in a family plot on the Schamp farm but would be reburied with their father in Floral Grove.  John H. Schamp, the surviving son, was made the executor of the estate, which would allow Anna, 1 bed, and bushels of grain plus a life interest in the estate.  Over $2700 was owed by the estate to many creditors.  On 7 Feb 1877 AW Hayes was authorized to move the six deceased Schamp children to Floral Grove.  By April 1878 Eli Booth swapped a bed for a cemetery plot there for John H. Schamp's future repose.  Things were sold outright to give heirs, John, Rebecca, and widow Anna over $1,000 each.

The Schamp children were as follows: Henry, Charlotte, David, John H., Susan, George, Jacob, Elizabeth Ann, Peter, and Rebecca Ann who married Franklin Pierce Allion, 3 Apr 1881.  Surviving son John H. Scamp married Jennie Jones in Wms Co on 21 Sept 1878 (V4 p591).  Jennie b. 1859, OH was the daughter of Newton M. Jones and Sarah B. Stahl who also married in Wms Co, OH on 8 Mar 1857 (V2 p157) and lived in Center Twp. The Jones family was enumerated in the 1860 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p82, as Newton 24 OH, Sarah 21 PA, Franklin 2 OH, and Philena 1 OH.  Note that Philena became known as Jennie Jones.  In 1862 the Jones family increased with the birth of son Simon E.

John and Jennie Schamp became parents with the birth of son Henry on 22 July 1879, Center Twp.  In Nov 1879 Jennie would abandon John and refuse to live with him.  A few weeks after the baby was born Jennie gave the babe into the care of John, his mother Anna, and sister Rebecca who had traveled to the Jones home in a buggy to pick up the child. 

According to Journal 11 p569 and Roll 38 case number 1052 of the Williams County Civil and Criminal Court Records in Sept 1882 John Schamp sued his wife Jennie for a divorce.  John stated that the couple had lived with his mother and sister.  Jennie claimed she was forced to sleep in a parlor and had an adjoining bedroom with a place to hang her clothes.  She further stated that she was not provided with any clothing or support and was forced to perform manual labor.  She had to rely on the charity of friends to make her way and that she did not get along with her mother-in-law.  By the 1880 Center Twp federal census the Jones’ were listed as Newton 49 OH with parents native of VA, Sarah 42 PA with parents native of PA, and children Franklin 22 OH, Jennie 21 OH, and Simon E 18 OH.  Jennie was listed as single.  In the 1880 Jefferson Twp federal census p528, John H. Schamp was enumerated as 34 OH, a divorced man; these census records were taken before the court action began.

On 12 Jan 1881 Jennie went with her parents to collect her belongings and said she would come back if John would build her a house of her own.  He promised to work on building one.  It appears that the couple did not reconcile even though no formal divorce was granted. 

Another interesting court case regarding the Schamp family is found in June 1882, Roll 38 case number 988, where Ann E. Schamp sued son John H. Schamp over the distribution of the Jefferson Twp real estate.  On 17 May 1889 Anna Schamp died and was buried with her family.  On 20 Apr 1893 John Schamp at the age of 49Y died and joined his deceased family in Floral Grove Cemetery.  Several months after his death his sister Rebecca Allion became the guardian for Henry P. Schamp on 2 Aug 1893.  Henry 's name changed in the records from a "P" to a "T".  On 1 Feb 1897 Rebecca sued Henry for the right to sell the Schamp real estate because he was suffering "waste and wear" and she needed money for taxes and his support.  On 25 July 1900 Henry Schamp filed his final account as a minor and later that year Rebecca was given $180 for her role as his guardian.  Henry received a $3,000 life insurance payment, real estate valued at $500, and rent on a house he owned of $50.  In the 1900 Jefferson Twp federal census Henry Schamp was listed with the Allions as Henry b July 1879 (20) OH.  He was not listed with them in later census records and his death is not currently known. 

In the 1900 Center Twp federal census p11B, the Jones family was listed as Miles Jones b May 1831 (69) OH, married 44Y with 3 children, all surviving, wife Sarah b Mar 1838 (62) PA, and daughter Jennie b Apr 1859 (41) OH, a widow with one child surviving.  The Jones household changed location by the 1910 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p160, as father Newton had died and widow Sarah 81 PA lived on Center Street as head of house with her divorced daughter Jennie 51 OH.  The 1920 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p165 showed the pair as Sarah 81 PA and Jennie 60 OH; again they were classified as widows. 

Divorce Action in Williams Co, OH - Schall

Margaret (Rote/Rent?) Schall v John D. Schall (Journal 7 p596 - 6 Nov 1871; Roll 23 case number 94 - Oct 1871)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 6 March 2013)

Margaret Rote is probably the daughter of Peter and Margaret Leinard Rote. The father, Peter, died on 10 Sept 1851 and Margaret, the mother, married John Pollock, 15 Nov 1858 in Ashland Co, OH. John Schall was the son of Elias and Mary Elizabeth McCracken Schall. The couple was married on 19 Sept 1868 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V4 p15). There was a birth record for William Henry Shull on 25 Sept 1872 in Jefferson Twp, Williams Co, OH and a birth record for Emerson Schaull on 21 Mar 1881, Superior Twp, Wms Co, OH (Birth V2 p24), sons of John D. Shull/Schaull and Margaret Rent.

Margaret charged John with gross neglect; she had no food and five weeks after she gave birth he ordered her to leave their home on 9 June 1871.  She went to the home of her stepfather, John Pollock.  Her husband owned 2 ½ acres of land (legal description given) in Williams Co, OH on which a log cabin sits; presumably this cabin was her home. She filed the demand for alimony on 30 June 1871 and his answer was to be filed by 29 July 1871. The couple had a son Albert Ellsworth, b13 Feb 1869 and the unnamed infant.  Margaret came to court again and asked that the alimony request be dismissed.

In the 1870 Superior Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p271, John Pollock 51 IR and wife Margaret 57 PA lived alone, but in the 1870 Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p109A one finds the Shull family as John 22 OH, Margaret 19 OH, and Albert 1 OH.  They must have patched up their problems as the couple is found in the 1880 Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p479 as John Shall 33 OH-OH-OH, Margaret 28 OH-OH-OH, and sons Albert E 11 OH, Lewis E 9 OH, and William H 7 OH.  By the 1900 Aubbeenaubbee, Fulton Co, Indiana federal census, the couple had increased their family to daughters Emma and Edna and from the 1920 Rochester, Fulton Co, Indiana federal census p7A, the couple was enumerated as John 72 OH and Margaret 68 OH.  John died on 17 Mar 1920 in Rochester; Margaret died on 22 May 1936 also in Rochester, IN.

John Schall

Birth: Oct. 18, 1847
Death: Mar. 17, 1920

The News-Sentinel - Wednesday, March 17, 1920
John H. SCHALL died early Wednesday morning at his home, 530 Clay street. He was the son of Elias and Elizabeth SCHALL and was born near Montpelier, Ohio, October 18, 1847 and was 72 years old. He had one sister, Mrs. Rebecca SIMPSON, of Montpelier, Ohio, who preceded him.
Early in life he married Miss Margaret ROTE and to this union eight children were born, two dying in infancy.
The surviving children are Albert [SCHALL] of Monterey, Lewis [SCHALL] of South Bend, William [SCHALL] of Decatur, Mrs. Emma KLINE of Peru, Mrs. Edna LEWIS of near Leiters Ford and Emerson [SCHALL] north of this city.
Twenty-nine years ago he moved to this county and retired from the farm three years ago. He was member of the Christian church.
Funeral arrangements later.

Divorce Action in Williams Co, OH - Salander

John Salander v Elizabeth Hillman Salander (Roll 16 case number 18 - Dec 1862)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 20 Dec 1846, Washingtonville, Columbiana Co, OH.  John said that his wife had been willfully absent for three years or more.  A legal notice appeared showing the filing date as July 1862.  In the 1850 Perry Twp, Columbiana Co, OH federal census p38, John Salanders and family were enumerated as John 42 PA blacksmith, Elizabeth H or M 28 PA, and Mary E 3 OH.  Note this action was not listed in the journal entries of the Civil and Criminal Court records. Nothing more is currently known.

Divorce Action in Williams Co, OH - Russell

Samuel Russell v Irene S. Whitney Russell (Journal 12 p267 - 12 Apr 1884; Roll 40 case number 1279 – Apr 1884) – see Mary Spaulding Robinson

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 15 September 2021)

In the 1850 Center Twp, Porter Co, IN federal census p196B, Samuel Russell was listed with his family as Samuel 42 MA, Caroline 40 CT, Lorenzo 17 OH, Martha 9 OH, Mary 7 OH, and Amaraziah Lapman 24 OH laborer.  Caroline Russell died on 4 Oct 1859 @49Y 6M and was buried in the Union Street (Old City) Cem at Valparaiso, IN, along with several infants, daughter Martha (d 27 Sept 1859 @11Y), and Almon Russell (19 Apr 1831 – 5 June 1848).  In the 1860 Valparaiso, Center Twp, federal census p287, Samuel was listed as 51 MA wagon maker, Mary 17 OH, Lorenzo 26 OH, Elizabeth 22 NY, and Franklin 4/12 IN. 

Samuel Russell and Irene S. Whitney Spaulding, daughter of Thomas and Irena Place Whitney and widow of George A Spaulding, were married on 15 Sept 1861, possibly in Valparaiso, Porter Co, IN where on 19 May 1863 Irene owned Lots 7 and 8 in West Valparaiso. Irene’s mother and siblings were enumerated in the 1850 Woodbridge, Hillsdale Co, MI federal census as Irene Whitney 59 NY, Thomas 33 NY, and Sophia S. 20 NY; Irene’s father may have died before 1850. Irene by 1850 was married to George A Spaulding and she and her family were enumerated in the 1850 Hillsdale, Hillsdale Co, MI federal census and as a widow she was the head of her family in the same location via the 1860 federal census records. One of her children, Mary E Spaulding, is detailed in a divorce proceedings against her husband, James Robinson, cNovember 1873.

What is known? Irene, b Dec 1824 in NY, had a sister, Sophia Susannah Whitney, who had married Lewis Smart Hazen in Pioneer, Wms Co, OH on 17 Dec 1854; this may be the reason why the Russells moved to Pioneer in May 1869 and were enumerated in the 1870 federal census p7 as Samuel 62 MA wagon maker, Irena 46 NY, and Mary Robinson 21 MI without occupation. 

Again in the 1880 Pioneer, Madison Twp federal census p476A, they were listed as Samuel 72 MA wagon maker, and wife Irena 55 NY who was in poor and debilitating condition.  The History of Williams County, Ohio, Goodspeed, 1882, p417, stated that Samuel owned a wagon shop in Pioneer as of 1882.  Samuel charged Irene with being willfully absent for three years or more. She lived in Lucas Co, OH.  It is unclear whether a divorce was granted or whether this indeed was a divorce case as Samuel sued both Irene and Thomas C. Durbin over rent money for land Samuel owned, but in which Irene held a claim.  Samuel died on 1 Mar 1899 and was buried in the Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer. In the 1900 El Monte Twp, Los Angeles, CA federal census p122, Irene S. Russell, a widow, 76 NY with one child surviving (unknown at this time), lived with her sister Sophia and husband Lewis S. Hazen, an insurance agent.    

Defamation of Character Suit for a Tarnished Lady in 1850, Richey and Hazen

Christiana Richey/Ritchey - A Tarnished Lady, Settled in March 1851

They done her wrong, or at least someone had a nasty tongue and would spread the most evil stories about her.  In the 1850’s a lady’s reputation was the most important aspect of her being and the worst thing to happen to any lady would be to have that reputation tarnished.  So is the story I’m about to relate.

Roll 8 case number 12 Box 24 of Civil and Criminal Court Records for Williams County, OH, October Term (a hold over case from the April Term 1850) shows the following case of Christiana Ritchey v Nathan Hazen.

Christiana Ritchey was an unmarried woman who has always behaved and conducted herself well until committing the allleged grievances brought forth by Nathan Hazen, a neighbor and inhabitant of her vicinity.  Christiana objected to the false, malicious, and defamatory words of Nathan Hazen who said she was guilty of fornication, adultery, and unchastity.  On 15 Dec 1849 in Wms Co he falsely accused and attacked her in the presence of other neighbors that she has been delivered of a child (later two children mentioned in the case), a Jeremiah Ritchey.  On 15 Feb 1850 Hazen called her a strumpet and a lewd woman, even before she came to this county.  Her attorney was SE Blakeslee. Witnesses called for the plaintiff were Henry Rummel, Henry Sheets, Charles Gideon, Hannah Sheets, Harvey Depuy, and John Garrison

Nathan Hazen appeared in court with his attorney, of Case and Smith Law Firm, and stated in Bulford Twp, Cuyahoga Co, OH Christena had illicit and sexual intercourse on 1 May 1846 and other times with Thomas Sheets and Martin Sheets in a cornfield belonging to Benjamin Clayton.  It was implied that she may have had relations with Hazen as well. According to the Issue Docket, Clerk of Courts, 1848-1852, in the October 1850 Term the case was continued and then settled with each party paying his/her own costs by March 1851 Term.

Christina Ritchey, daughter of Jacob and Sophia Glass Ritchey, was born in 1826 Columbiana Co, OH.  Her father, Jacob Ritchey, was b 1796 and died 24 Feb 1846 in Ashland Co, OH; her mother Sophia Glass was b 26 Sept 1796 in Franklin Twp, York Co, PA.  After the father died, the mother Sophia Ritchey moved to Bridgewater Twp, Wms Co, OH and the family was enumerated in the 1850 Bridgewater Twp federal census p47 – 21 Sept 1850 as Ritchey, Sophia 50 MA, Peter 31 OH farmer, Chasuna (f) 24 OH, Lewis 22 OH, Margret 20 OH. Jeremiah 16 OH, Sophia 14 OH, and Mariah 11 OH.

Land deeds in Wms Co, OH show various property sales as follows: Vol 1 (1824-1855)Grantor: John Woolf of Columbiana Co, OH; Grantee: Margaret Ritchey, a girl that was raised in my family, of Columbiana Co, OH; Ref Vol 4 p231 – 6 Apr 1837 $200 sold to him at Lima Land Office dated 24 May 1836, 80A, E 1/2 of NW 1/4 Sec 18 T7N R3E; Grantor: John Woolf of Columbiana Co, OH; Grantee: Jacob Ritchey of Columbiana Co, OH; Ref Vol 5 p49 – 15 Apr 1837; $300 sold at Lima Land Office, 80 A dated 24 May 1836, W 1/2 SE 1/4 Sec 7 T7N R3E. Grantor: Jacob and Sophia Ritchey of Columbiana Co, OH; Grantee: Christena Ritchey of Columbiana Co, OH; Ref Vol 5 p401 – 11 Oct 1839; 80 A $400 W 1/2 SE sec & T7N R3E; Grantor: Christena Ritchey of Columbiana Co, OH; Grantee: Peter Ritchey of Columbiana Co, OH; Ref Vol 7 p163 – 24 Oct 1842; $100 W 1/2 of SE 1/4 Sec 7 NR3E +; Grantor: Peter and Lucinda Ritchey of Williams Co, OH; Grantee: Joseph Cummings; Ref Vol 8 p22 – 29 Jan 1845; $75 W 1/2 SE 1/4 Sec 7 T7N R3E; Grantor: Jeremiah Ritchey and wife, Margaret Gilbert; Grantee: Peter Ritchey; Ref Vol 11 p582 – 7 Jan 1852; $20 Town Lots in Montpelier, OH #75 & 138.

The Sheets family appeared in the 1850 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p34 as of 15 Sept 1850 as  Sheats, Martin 27 OH carpenter, Eliza 19 OH, and Abagail 2 OH; Sheats, Henry 29 OH farmer, Hannah 28 OH, Mary 8 OH, Mariah 7 OH, Malissa 4 OH, Abner 2 OH, and Mary 2 OH.  From the 1860 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census, p202 one finds this family enumerated as Sheets, MB 38, Eliza 29, Abigail 12, Sarah 8, and George 3; Sheets, Henry 45 OH, Hannah 40 OH, Mary 19 OH, Maria 18 OH, Melissa 14 OH, Abner 11 OH, Nancy 11 OH, Henry 5/12 OH, and Lewellen, Mary 17 NJ. 

Henry Sheets ran for the Wms Co, OH Recorder position in 1860 and won as the Democrat candidate.  In 1852 his cabin was often used as a school in Madison Twp and he served as a teacher in District #4 of Jefferson Twp as well. (History of Williams Co, OH, Goodspeed, 1882, p260, 422, 474).  In 1863 he and his family moved to Bourbon, IN and in 1873 they resided in Inwood, IN.  On 3 Mar 1887 they moved to Sand Lake, MI.

The accuser, Nathan S. Hazen, was  b 23 Jan 1827 OH, the son of Henry and Abigail Lewellan Hazen. Nathan’s parents were married in Columbiana Co, OH (Marriage V2 p166) on 24 Dec 1823. Henry Hazen was b 19 Sept 1802 Greene Co, PA and d Jul 1878 Deer Lick, Wms Co, OH; Abigail Lewellyn Hazen was b 12 Jan 1804 NJ and d 8 Feb 1855 @53Y 27D with burial in Cogswell Cem, Bridgewater Twp, Wms Co, OH. He married Eliza J. Mercer, the daughter of John and Mary Dilworth Mercer in Wms Co, OH (Marriages V2 p104 – 12 Oct 1848); she was b 1837 Ravenna Twp, Portage Co, OH and died bef 1874 Wms Co, OH. John Mercer, her father, was b 3 June 1794 PA and d 8 Feb 1878 Jefferson Twp, Wms Co, OH with burial in the West Jefferson Cem.

The Hazen family was enumerated in the 1850 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p34 as Hazen, Henry 48 OH carpenter, Abigail 44 NJ, Lervis 17 OH, and Henry 12 OH; Hazen, Nathan 23 OH no/occup, and Elv** (f) 18 OH. They were again listed in the 1860 Madison Twp federal census p202 as Hazen, Nathan 35 OH, Eliza 28 OH, David 6 OH, Albert 5 OH – b 1854 OH, and Henrietta 4 OH.

Shortly after the defamation of character suit Christenia Ritchie married Charles S. Gideon in Wms Co, OH V2 p122 – 8 Jan 1852.  Nothing else is currently known of  “the tarnished lady.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Royce and Lyon

Kittie Cox Royce v Benjamin Y. Royce

Mary A. Fuller Lyon v Abram M. Lyon

The Seamstress and the Grocer – Divorces in Williams County, Ohio, 1878 and 1886

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Often when reading census records a family researcher may discover that in Williams County, Ohio, most of the women are either “keeping house” or “at home”.  This genealogical detailing points out a working woman, her devotion to her mother, and a man who would keep her in groceries for the rest of her life.

Our story begins with the 1840 Jefferson Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p228 for the John Cox family (1 male 5-10), (1 male 20-30), (2 females under 5), and (1 female 20-30).  In the 1850 Brady Twp census p88 one finds John Cox 35 PA no occupation, Catherine 32 MD, Ralph 15 OH, Jane Ann 13 OH, Susan 10 OH, Margaret 9 OH, Mary Ann 7 OH, Catherine 5 OH, John 3 OH, and George 1/12 OH.  This family appears to have two other children as the records for Rings Cemetery, Brady Twp lists Rebecca F. d. 4 Sept 1855 @2Y26D and Ransom L. d. 10 Aug 1859 @1Y2M20D. 

The Cox family is enumerated in the 1860 Brady Twp census p139b as John Cox 46 PA day laborer, Catherine 42 MD, Susan 19 OH, Catherine 15 OH, and George 9 OH.  Things change for this family as Kitty Catherine Cox born 1846 in Williams Co, OH married Benjamin Y. Royce of New Jersey in 1865.  Their son, Clarence Theodore Royce was born in Indiana 1866.  In the 1870 Brady Twp, West Unity census, the family is listed as Kittie Royce 24 OH seamstress, Clarence 4 IN, and Catherine Cox 52 MD. 

According to the Williams County Civil and Criminal Court Records, Journal 9 p462 on 20 Feb 1878 Kittie sued Benjamin Y Royce for divorce stating that he had been willfully absent for more than three years and she wanted custody of her minor son, Clarence T. She was granted this divorce and on 6 June 1878 (V4 p575) Kittie married Andrew Hamilton, a NY native who appears in the 1870 Springfield Twp census as a merchant living with fellow merchant and first cousin John J. Fuller and his wife Mary S.  The Fullers were married in Wms Co on 18 Jul 1867 (V3 p699) and appear to have three sons who died as youngsters, Charles Claud b. 15 Feb 1872; and twins Clement Leroy and Clarence Ray b. 25 Mar 1875 (Births V 1 p32, 77).  Mary S. Hamlin Fuller who died in 1911 is buried in Oakwood Cemetery with these children while John J. Fuller (1845-Nov 1905, Toledo, Lucas Co, OH) is buried in the same cemetery with his parents, Reverend Evert W. and Sarah D. (Sullivan) Fuller, who both organized the Stryker Methodist Church and Sunday School.

Kittie’s new husband, Andrew Hamilton was a Civil War veteran having served in Co H 1^st Reg. NY VC and was a GAR member.  He was born on 3 Feb 1845, Caroline, Tompkins Co, NY, the son of Joseph and Ann Elizabeth (Sullivan) Hamilton. The 1850 Caroline, Tompkins Co, NY federal census p14 lists Joseph with wife Ann E. and children Amanda and Andrew.  In 1860 for that location p780 one learns the family has grown with additional children Clement J. and Anna Eliza. Sometime after his Civil War service Andrew traveled to Wms Co, OH, where he remained for the rest of his life. Andrew was married once before to Ellen M. (Miller) Hamilton who is buried in Lockport Cemetery, “wife of A. Hamilton, married 5 Mar 1872 and died 4 Aug 1872”.  She may be the daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth Miller. 

By the 1880 Stryker, Springfield Twp census the family is recorded as Andrew Hamilton 35 NY grocer, Catherine 33 OH milliner, Clarence Royce 14 IN step-son, and Catherine Cox 68 MD mother-in-law.  The History of Williams Co, OH, Goodspeed, 1882, p437, shows Mrs. A. Hamilton running a milliner business in Stryker along with the Hamilton & Fuller business of groceries and provisions owned by business partners Andrew Hamilton and John J. Fuller.  Andrew was a member of Stryker Lodge #611 and at one time was mayor of Stryker. Andrew later formed a partnership with his stepson and the grocery became known as Hamilton and Royce. 

Andrew passed away on 19 Mar 1919 in Stryker and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.  This couple did not have any children.  Andrew died intestate and the grocery, which had more liabilities than assets was sold.  From the 1920 Stryker, Springfield Twp, Wms Co, OH census p6A one finds Kate C. Hamilton 73 OH widow as head of house on Defiance Street with her widowed sister, Sue Fleck, 78 OH.  The census record states both of their parents were born in Maryland.

Clarence T. Royce first married Emma L. Zimmer, 24 Sept 1885 (V5p593); Emma died 24 Dec 1889 and guardianship was set for daughters Ruth and Coral on 16 Jan 1891.  Clarence then married Clara Allen on 27 June 1891 (V6 #471) and she died 6 Sept 1899.  His third bride, Sarah Henning, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Henning, tied the knot on 3 Feb 1901 (V8p221).  Sarah is buried in Oakwood Cemetery (1873-1948) with her parents.

Clarence’s will, written 28 Mar 1916, listed heirs as wife, Sarah H., son Robert R., daughter Coral Randall (1888-1969) of Toledo, and daughter Ruth Bruns (1886-1973) of Stryker.  The will was probated on 19 Apr 1926 after Clarence’s death.  In 1930 Kittie Cox Royce Hamilton died and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery next to her beloved Andrew.  Later her granddaughter, Coral, a poet, and her husband Archie L. Randall join them.

Records have been searched for cemetery burials of Kittie’s parents, John and Catherine Cox, but to-date they have not been located.  Nothing further is known about Benjamin Y. Royce, Kittie’s first husband.  The following in another divorce that ties into this family:

Mary A. Fuller Lyon v Abram M. Lyon (Journal 13 p572 - 16 Oct 1886; Journal 14 p6/75 - 15 Nov 1886; Roll 44 case number 1659 - 16 Aug 1886)

The couple was married in Stryker, Wms Co on 20 Nov 1862 (Marriage V3 p278).  Abram, b1835, was the son of Nathaniel and Hila Lyon, Quakers and natives of NY.  Mary, b19 Jan 1840, OH, was the daughter of Reverend Evert W. and Sarah D. Sullivan Fuller. Mary was enumerated with her parents in the 1850 Evansport-Tiffin Twp, Defiance Co, OH federal census p49, as EW Fuller 41 NY clerk, Sarah D 41 NY, Martha A 14 NY, Bishop E 12 NY, Mary A 10 OH, Alice J 8 OH, and John J 5 OH. The Lyons family, possibly from Sherman Twp, Huron Co, OH, was listed in the 1850 Brady Twp federal census, p10 and in 1860 Brady Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p144a showed them as Nathaniel Lyons 52NY, Hila 41 NY, Abram 24 OH, Hila 22 OH, Elizabeth 17 OH, Nathaniel 14 OH, Dila (m) 10 OH, and Francis (m) 5 OH.  

In the 1870 Brady Twp federal census p13, the couple was enumerated as Abraham Lyons 34 OH, Mary A 30 OH, Alice 7 OH, Adell 5 OH, Dalton 2/12 OH.  In the 1880 Jefferson Twp federal census, p532D, Mary and the minor children lived apart from Abram.

Mary told in court that they had the following five children: Mrs. Alice A. Durler (22- b1863), Adell M. (20 - b1865), Camilla J. (15 - b27 June 1871), Maud C (7 - b1878), and Mabel (3 - b18 Aug 1882). They also had a son, Benjamin Dalton, who died on 2 Sept 1870 @4M 9D and was buried in the Lockport Cemetery.   Mary said in the winter of 1877-78 Abram hit her with a chair and she feared for her life and that of the children. She stated that Abram was guilty of gross neglect on 28 Aug 1884.  He called her vile names and threatened her. On 27 May 1886 they separated. Abram was charged with contempt and breach of a temporary injunction in chambers held in Defiance Co, OH, on 26 Aug 1886; Abram was not to sell his real estate in Springfield Twp. She had to return to court again to get custody of Maude and Mabel.  She charged him with gross neglect.  Abram was given a visitation schedule of 1PM-6PM each Thursday.  He was told again not to sell Lot 35 in Stryker, but he was found in contempt of court and remanded to the custody of the sheriff. Mary was granted a divorce in Nov 1886 and Abram was released from custody.

Mary died on 24 Mar 1895 @55Y 2M 5D and was buried in the Oakwood Cem, Stryker, beside her parents and some of her siblings; Abram, apparently falling on hard times, died on 1 Feb 1899 @ 64Y and was buried in the Williams County, Ohio Infirmary Cemetery.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Robinson (John)

Rachel J. Stubbs Robinson v John M. or Jonathan Robinson (Journal 6 p67 - 30 Nov 1860; Roll 14 case number 125 - Nov 1860) – see Daggett

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 12 September 2021)

 

The couple was married in Bertrand, Berrien Co, MI on 10 Feb 1847.  Rachel stated that John deserted her on 16 Aug 1854 and was willfully absent for four years or more.  She needed money.  The couple had a son Daniel Henry, b 12 Dec 1851.  A legal notice appeared on 9 Oct 1860 in a local newspaper. 

 

Rachel, born 21 September 1821 NY, was the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Armstrong Stubbs..  Rachel was first married to John Hollinshead in Williams Co, OH on 2 January 1837. John Hollingshead acquired forty acres of land in Williams County on 7 Oct 1835 from the Wapakonetta Land Office.  John may be the son of Francis Hollingshead who moved to Ross Co, OH in the 1790’s.

 

In the 1850 Penn, St. Joseph Co, IN federal census p131B, Johnathan Robinson was listed as Johnathan 35 NY, Rachel 28 NY, and Robinson children (all stepchildren to Jonathan) Rebecca 12 OH, Phebe 10 OH, Louisa 8 OH, and Maria 6 OH. 

 

From the 1860 Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p63 Rachel appeared as Rachel Hollinshead 38 Y, Maria Hollinshead 16 OH, and Daniel Robinson 8 IN. In Highland, Doniphan Co, KS Rachel married a third time to Henry Van Buren on 27 December 1868 and they were listed in the 1870 Richardson Co, NE federal census as Henry Van Buren 62 NY carpenter, Rachel 49 NY, Henry 19 IN.  Rachel moved around as evidenced by 1880 Wichita, Sedgwick Co, KS and 1900 Ware, Grant Co, OK federal census records showing she lived with daughter Marie O’Niel and her husband Curtis.  

 

Rachel died on 12 December 1909 in Lake Twp, Berrien Co, MI and was buried there in Greenwood Cemetery.  Her death certificate stated her parents names.  There is a Jonathan Robinson who died on 16 September 1894 in Hartford, Van Buren Co, MI, listed as “pauper”.  It has not been determined whether this man is the willfully absent husband of Rachel.

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Robinson (James)

Mary Spaulding Robinson v James H. Robinson (Journal 8 p173  - 8 Nov 1873; Roll 26 case number 83 - Nov 1873) – see Russell 

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 15 September 2021)

 

The couple was married in Valparaiso, Porter Co, IN on 3 July 1867.  Mary stated that on 16 Jan 1870 James left her and was willfully absent for three years or more.  A legal notice appeared in a local paper.  A divorce was granted.  

 

Mary was the daughter of George Addison Spaulding and Irene Whitney.  She was born c1848 in Hillsdale Co, MI and appeared in both the 1850 HIllsdale Co, MI federal census with her parents and the 1860 Hillsdale Co, MI federal census with her mother. In the 1870 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p7, Mary Robinson 21 MI without occupation lived with the Samuel and Irena Russell family. Mary married Judson A Rose in Amboy Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI on 13 July 1879 and they were  enumerated in the 1880 Hillsdale Co, MI federal census as Judson Rose 31 MI, Mary E 31 MI, Bernice 7 MI, Forest R 5 MI, and later had son Lewis W b 1880.  Nothing is currently known of errant husband James H Robinson.

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Ritter

Mary Melissa "Melvina" Tingley Ritter v John Y. Ritter (Journal 12 p94 - 6 June 1883; Roll 39 Box 128 case number 1140 - 17 Apr 1883)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 9 Apr 2011)

The couple was married on 15 Nov 1873 in Amboy, Hillsdale Co, MI.  John, born on 21 Feb 1829 in Varick, Seneca Co, NY, was enumerated in the 1850 Fayette, Seneca Co, NY federal census as John Ritter 20 NY and Deborah 21 NY and in the 1860 Gorham Twp, Fulton Co, OH federal census, p414, as John Y. Ritter 30 NY, Deborah 31 NY, Elida 9 NY, and Willard 7 NY.

Mary, born on 17 Mar 1852 in Columbia, NW Twp, Wms Co, was the daughter of Jared Isaac and Sarah Ann McNelia/McNeal Tingley, natives of Mercer Co, PA.  The family left PA and traveled by wagon to Iowa and later back to Columbia, NW Twp, Wms Co in the early 1850's; in 1859 they made a second wagon trip to Kansas and then moved back to NW Twp by 1860. The Tingleys were enumerated in the 1860 NW Twp federal census p3, as Isaac 43 PA, Sarah 32 PA, Warner 13 Iowa, Orange 10 Iowa, Melissa 8 OH, Almira 5 OH, Lodema 3 OH, and Lorena 11/12 OH; they were again listed in the 1870 NW Twp federal census p15, as Jared 53 PA, Sarah A 42 PA, Warren 22 IA, Mary 18 OH, Sarah A 15 OH, Lodema 13 OH, Lorena 9 IL, Ida 6 OH, Ally 3 OH, John 9/12 OH, Jared 8 OH, and Mary M 18 OH.  By the 1880 NW Twp federal census p429A, Jared and family were listed as Jared 63 PA, Sarah A 52 PA, Lorena 20 IL, Jared 18 OH, Ida 15 OH, Ally 13 OH, John 10 OH, Melvina Ritter 26 OH and Cora Ritter 4 MI.

Mary charged John Y. Ritter with gross neglect and being willfully absent for three years or more.  She stated that on 13 Nov 1876 he left her.  They had a daughter Cora A, b 22 Nov 1875 in Ransom Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI. A legal notice appeared in the Bryan Press, 25 May 1883.  A divorce was granted. 

Mary later married George V. Kime in Wms Co on 26 Aug 1883.  George, the son of John and Catherine Culbertson Kime, was married before to a Chloe Letitia Harman, who died on 1 Feb 1882 and was buried in the Malcolm Cem, NW Twp.  Melvina Kime died on 23 Oct 1896 and was buried in the Malcolm Cemetery; George died on 13 June 1899 and was buried between his two wives. 

John Y. Ritter married Sarah M. Bostoff in Wms Co on 21 Feb 1889 (Marriage V5 #1442).  He died on 20 June 1913 in Brady Twp, Williams Co, OH. Daughter Cora Ritter married Richard F. Folk on 20 May 1893 in Wms Co (Marriage V6 #953).

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Ritt

Martha Collins Ritt v Charles Ritt (Journal 7 p358 - 4 Nov 1869; Roll 21 case number 64 - Nov 1869)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Tiffin Twp, Defiance Co, OH, on 17 Feb 1865.  Martha charged her husband with being willfully absent for three years or more.  In the 1850 Tiffin Twp, Defiance Co, OH federal census p48, the Collins family was enumerated as Joseph 41 PA, Matilda 36 PA, Mary A 17 PA, Abram 14 OH, and Martha M 9M OH.  This family was Joseph and Matilda Tallman Collins; in the 1860 Tiffin Twp federal census p417, the Collins family was listed as M (Matilda), Abram 22 OH, Martha 10 OH, Rachel 8 OH, Margaret 3 OH, and Joseph 1 OH.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Ritenour

Solomon Ritenour v Caroline Ritenour (Journal 7 p79 - 5 Nov 1867; Roll 19 case number 126 - Nov 1868)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Solomon charged Caroline with being willfully absent for three years or more.  The roll packet was empty.  In the 1860 Brady Twp, Wms Co federal census p148b, there was a Redenour family enumerated as Samuel 56 VA, Mary 43 PA, Solomon 27 OH, and William 9 OH.  The Lost Creek Cemetery, Farmer Twp, Defiance Co, OH, had a listing for Samuel Ridenour (17 Feb 1804 - 5 July 1883) and his two wives, Catherine (30 Aug 1803 - 8 Sept 1840) and Mary A. (4 Sept 1815 - 5 July 1895); this family was enumerated in the 1840 Washington Twp, (now Defiance Co) Wms Co, OH federal census, p241.

A native of Jefferson Co, OH, Solomon Ritenour/Ridenour, son of Samuel and Katherine Harshbarger Ritenour, married Anna Riegel in Wms Co on 18 Nov 1869 (Marriage V4 p85).  This couple was listed in the 1870 Brady Twp federal census p6, as Solomon Ritenour 38 OH, Anna 25 OH, Daniel 33 OH, and Jacob Shaffer 21 OH.  The Farmer Cemetery, Farmer Twp, Defiance Co, OH, had a listing for Solomon Ridenour (13 Nov 1831 - 11 Nov 1912), a Civil War soldier, and wife Anna (17 Nov 1843 - 10 June 1922).  

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Rinkle

Mary C. Bratton Haskins Rinkle v Emmanuel H. Rinkle (Journal 13 p246 - 23 Nov 1885; Roll 42 Box 139 case number 1520 - 19 Sept 1885)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Florence Twp, Wms Co on 7 Feb 1881 (Marriage V4 p734).  Emanuel, born Dec 1859 in Ohio, was listed with his parents in the 1870 Florence Twp federal census p5, as John 58 FR, Saloma 48 FR, Lucinda 12 OH, and Emanuel 10 OH. Mary had been married previously to Richard Haskins in Wms Co on 15 Sept 1868 (Marriage V4 p14).

Mary stated that Emanuel had been willfully absent for three years or more.  She wanted alimony of $500 and restoration of her maiden name.  The couple had a son, Forrest B, who died on 9 Mar 1884 @2Y 1M 19D, and was buried in the West Buffalo Cemetery. 

Mary, born in June 1851 in Williams Co, OH, married Isaac Null on 8 July 1894 in Three Rivers, St. Joseph Co, MI; she was the daughter of John Bratton.  Isaac was born in Union Co, PA in Oct 1832 making him 63 years old at the time of their marriage while Mary was 43.  Isaac had become a widower with the death of his wife, Martha V. Alexander Null on 11 Jan 1889.

After this divorce Emanuel married Susan Cunningham, born 14 May 1869 in Wayne Co, Ohio, on 29 July 1888 in Wms Co (Marriage V5 #1271); Susan was the daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Huffert Cunningham. They had a son Veral, b 17 Apr 1890, Center Twp (Birth V2 p131) and a son William L, b Aug 1899.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Richmond

Margaret E. Petrie Richmond v Charles Richmond (Journal 10 p258 - 17 Nov 1879; Roll 34 case number 688 - Nov 1879)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married on 20 June 1868/69 in Fremont, Steuben Co, IN.  Margaret charged her husband with being willfully absent for three years or more.  They had two sons, William (9) and Ernest (6).  In the 1870 Otsego Twp, Steuben Co, IN federal census p132A, the Richmonds were listed as Charles 23 NY and Margaret 21 IN. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Rice

Suzette Burke Rice v Stewart Frew Rice (Journal 12 p368 - 27 Nov 1884)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Hillsdale Co, MI on 16 May 1880 (Marriage Lib E p307).  The groom was recorded as Frew S. Rice.  In the 1870 Camden, Hillsdale Co, MI federal census, p273, Stewart was 8 along with parents John L. Rice 38, Nancy J 40 and Richmond 16.  Stewart Rice, the son of John L. and Nancy Stewart Rice, was b 15 Sept 1862 (pos Camden, Hillsdale Co) MI; however on his marriage license he stated he was born in 1859 in PA. (possibly Butler Co, PA). The Burke family was enumerated in the 1870 Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p70A as Emmett 30 OH, Sarah 31 Ireland, Solon 12 OH, Sussity 9 OH, Edward 6 OH, and Romer (m) 3 OH.

The newly married couple was listed in the 1880 Florence Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census as Frew Rice 17 OH student and Susetta 19 OH, living with her parents, Emmett Burke 44 and Sarah 40 plus children Solon, Lodeamand (m), James, Flora, and grandmother Harmony Burke 63. Suzette charged Frew with gross neglect of duty and being willfully absent for three years or more.  He resided in Lordsburg, New Mexico.  They had a daughter Lelia.  Suzette received $200 in alimony. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Reynolds

Nathaniel Reynolds v Phebe Burrass Reynolds

Beware of the Brother-In-Law, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1866

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Nathaniel Reynolds, born 20 Feb 1822 in Bound Ridge, Westchester Co, NY, was the son of Hiram and Amy Palmer Reynolds.  Phoeba Burras, born 1818 in Scipio, Cayuga Co, NY, was the daughter of William and Abigail Jeffries Burras.  Apparently members of both the Burras and Reynolds families moved to Huron Co, OH.  Phebe’s father, William Burras died there on 7 Feb 1847 and was buried in the Olena Cemetery. The couple was married in Wms Co on 15 Apr 1848 according to Nathaniel Reynold’s divorce case, but the record showed the marriage date as 12 Mar 1848 (Marriage V2 p101).  Why this couple married in Williams Co, OH has not been determined; Phebe had a sister Nancy Burras who married John Barber and were residents of Springfield Twp in 1850, which could the reason for marrying in Williams County, but the pair was found in the 1850 Bronson, Huron Co, OH federal census p151, as Nathaniel 27 CT, Phebe 30 NY, and John Linn 11 OH.  The relationship to this John Linn is not currently known.  Sometime after the 1850 census the Reynolds moved to Williams County.

According to the 1860 Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p71a, the Reynolds family was listed as Nathaniel 36 NY, Phoeba 42 NY, Louisa D. 9 OH, James A 7 OH and farmhand James Bettens 21 NS.

The reader should also know that Phebe’s younger sister, Rebecca Jane Burras, born 4 July 1826, had married Samuel Teed Huyck in Huron Co, OH on 27 Aug 1843.  Nathaniel’s claim for a divorce was found in the Williams County, OH Civil and Criminal Court Records (Journal 6 p536 - 6 Mar 1866; Roll 17 case number 142 - Mar 1866); he stated that Phebe had committed adultery in Springfield Twp with Samuel T. Huyck.  This man was most likely her brother-in-law. Phebe appeared in court to deny these charges but the court found her guilty and Nathaniel was granted a divorce. According to The Bryan Union, 15 Mar 1866 p3 the case of Nathaniel Reynolds v Phoebe Reynolds was settled with a divorce as prayed for by the plaintiff; Phoebe received $300 as allowed alimony. The couple had two daughters, Louisa b 1851 and Emma b 1860.  They also had a son, James A, b 1853, but he was not mentioned in the divorce record.  The Williams Co, OH Atlas for 1864 showed Nathaniel Reynolds held property in Springfield Twp, Sec 2, next door to Samuel B Reynolds.  By the 1874 Springfield Twp atlas Nathaniel’s property was in the domain of this SB Reynolds.

Nathaniel Reynolds married again in Norwalk, Huron Co, OH on 3 July 1869; the bride was Adeliza E. Robinson, born 4 Jan 1849 in Huron Co; she was the daughter of John and Catherine Holiday Robinson according to an Internet source. In the 1870 Fitchville Twp, Huron Co, OH federal census p291, the Reynolds were enumerated as Nathaniel 47 NY, Adeliza 20 OH, and Arney/Amey 2M OH.  Once again they were found in the 1880 Fitchville Twp federal census p45, as Nathaniel 56 NY, Addah 29 OH, Cora 10 OH, and George 4 OH.  The couple continued to live in Fitchville as evidenced by the 1900 Clinton, Fitchville Twp federal census p10A as Nathaniel 76 NY, Adeliza 51 OH, George H 24 OH, and Miles C 19 OH; the couple had been married 31 years with three children, all living. Nathaniel died in Fitchville Twp on 22 July 1910; his widow Adeliza died in Elyria, OH on 2 Jan 1926; both were buried in the Fitchville Cemetery.

Phebe Burras Reynolds, now a divorced lady, was found in the 1870 Fairfield Twp, Huron Co, OH federal census p268, living with her brother, Reuben Buras 58 NY; Pharbe Burras was listed as 51 NY insane.  She continued to live with brother Reuben as evidenced by the 1880 Fairfield Twp federal census p33D, as Reuben Burass 68 NY, Charles P 25 OH, Phebe Reynolds 61 NY sister, divorced, and John Trotter 16 OH servant. An Internet source stated that Phebe died on 28 Jan 1897, but that has not been confirmed. Her brother Reuben Burras was buried in Old North Fairfield Cemetery; perhaps Phebe was also buried there or with her parents in the Olena Cemetery in Huron Co, OH. Daughter Louisa Reynolds married a George Russell and daughter Emma Reynolds remained single and became a teacher.  Samuel Teed Huyck moved to Bloomer Twp, Montcalm Co, MI with his family in 1867 and died there on 20 Nov 1886.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Reed

Mary Ann Summers Reed v Thomas Reed (Journal 6 p146 - 26 Nov 1861; Roll 15 case number 50 - Nov 1861)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Bryan, Wms Co on 3 Mar 1860 (Marriage V3 p105).  Mary married Thomas as Mrs. Summers.   She charged Thomas with abuse.  On 8 Sept 1861 he kicked and beat her; he used a large knife to threaten her.  The case was dismissed.  From the 1860 Jefferson Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p164, the Reid family was listed as Thomas 77 Ireland, Mary 57 PA, and Mary Lamers 14 OH. Thomas was married before to a Matilda, born c1789 VA, and they had one daughter Ann, born 1830 in OH as evidenced by the 1850 Jefferson Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p 16B.  In that census there was also listed a Margaret Purtee 9 OH.  This Thomas Reid may be the husband of Matilda Dawson, who married on 22 Oct 1807 in Ross Co, OH.  Their granddaughter was Margaret Partee.  From the 1870 Dover Twp, Fulton Co, OH federal census p69B Mary A. Somers 66 PA resided with a Jennie Stoner 24 OH.  One of her neighbors was Martin Summers, possibly her son.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Raymond

Silas Scott Raymond v Effie Fisher Raymond

A Fraudulent Marriage Contract, Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1884

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

A fraudulent marriage contract in the divorce cases usually meant either a discovered former marriage with a legal spouse still living or a discovered pregnancy not acknowledged as issue of the marriage by the husband.  This genealogical detailing is an example of the second type.

Silas Scott Raymond, b. 22 Sept 1860, Wms Co, OH, was the son of George and Sarah Stannart Post Raymond.  These parents were Wms Co settlers traveling from Richland Co, OH c1852.  The 1860 Millcreek Twp, PO Primrose, Wms Co federal census, p129a-129b, showed the family as George Raymond 36 OH, Sarah 33 OH, William 15 OH, Samuel 12 OH, John 8 OH, Harriet 6 OH, David 4 OH, and Lewis 1 OH.  From the 1870 Millcreek Twp federal census, p15, one finds the family as George 48 OH, Sarah 44 OH, John 21 OH, Jane 17 OH, Austin 15 OH, Lewis 13 OH, Silas 10 OH.  The 1880 Millcreek Twp federal census, p486D, had the Raymond family enumerated as George 56 OH-CT-CT, Sarah 53 OH-NJ-PA, Jane 26 OH, and Scott 19 OH.

Scott Raymond married Effie Fisher on 6 Mar 1884, Mansfield, Richland Co, OH.  Effie, born 12 Feb 1865 in Mansfield, Richland Co, OH, was the daughter of Joseph and Susannah Boals Fisher who resided and were listed in the 1870 Franklin Twp, Richland Co, OH federal census as Joseph 33 OH, Susan 35 OH, Effa Z or J 5 OH, Susan E 3 OH.  By the 1880 Weller Twp, Richland Co, OH federal census, the Fisher family was listed as Joseph 44 OH, Susan 45 OH, Effa Z 15 OH, Susan E 13 OH, Calvin M 8 OH, Mary L 10 OH.  There is the possibility that the Raymond and Fisher families knew each other before the Raymonds moved to Wms Co.

About five months after the marriage Scott S. Raymond appeared in the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court requesting a divorce (Journal 12 p378 - 29 Nov 1884; Roll 40 case number 1330 - 11 Aug 1884).  He stated that Effie had been pregnant by another man, unknown to him, at the time of their marriage and that Effie had falsely conned him into this marriage.  The records do not tell whether Scott knew Effie was pregnant before the marriage and believed himself to be the father or whether Scott discovered Effie was pregnant only after he married her.

The court granted the divorce about 3 1/2 months after the original filing or about 8 1/2 months from the marriage date.  Whether Effa Fisher Raymond had delivered a child and, if so, whether the child survived, is not currently known.  Also reference to Effie's residency at the time of the divorce is not known.  Did she stay with the Raymonds, move back to Richland Co with relatives, or go elsewhere?  The Wms Co, OH birth records do not list any birth for a child with the mother of Effa Fisher or Effa Raymond.  In the roster of the employees of the Children’s Home in Richland Co, OH, dated 8 Sept 1887, Miss Effie J. Fisher was hired as dining room girl and boys’ governess.

Since there was no surviving 1890 federal census for the Ohio counties in question, one must look forward in time.  The Joseph Fisher family still lived in Weller Twp, Richland Co, OH in both the 1900 and 1910 federal censuses.  Effa does not appear with them nor was she listed with her brother Calvin Fisher who does have another single sister, Mary, with him in 1910. 

So what happened to Effie?  On 8 Nov 1889 Effie married John S. McElroy, born 22 Feb 1861 in PA, the son of Henry McElroy. An announcement appeared in The Richland Shield and Banner, 9 Nov 1889 - “Mr. John McElroy and Miss Effie Fisher, daughter of Infirmary Director Joseph Fisher, were married at the Children's Home at 7 o'clock last evening, Rev. N.S. Albright, officiating”. From the 1900 Toledo Ward 13, Lucas Co, OH federal census p12A the couple was enumerated as John S. McElroy 39 PA and Effie 28 OH; she did not have any children.  Note that her birth date is listed as Mar 1872. They are found again in the 1910 and 1920 Toledo, Lucas Co, OH federal censuses.  Effie’s 1910 record stated that she had only been married once as did John’s records show. According to John’s death certificate, he passed away in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH on 21 Jan 1928 with burial to follow in Franklin Cemetery, Mansfield, Richland Co, OH; John was a carpenter.  Effie J. McElroy died on 9 Mar 1952 also in Toledo with burial in Mansfield, OH next to her husband.

Apparently Scott Raymond's marital experience was enough to last him a lifetime, as he did not become a bridegroom again.  He lived with his parents until his father's death on 21 Oct 1885 @ 64Y 4M 20D who was buried in the Primrose Cemetery.  Scott probably took care of the farm and his mother until his own death on 3 May 1900 @39Y 7M 11D in Wms Co (Deaths V3 p112); Scott was buried beside his father.  Later on 13 May 1911 Sarah Raymond, Scott's mother, died @87Y 3M 15D, and joined her husband, son, and young daughter Della H who had died on 13 Sept 1865 @10M 2D in final repose at Primrose Cemetery.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Radabaugh (Thomas)

Mary A.  Radabaugh v Thomas C. Radabaugh (Journal 6 - May 1866)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Thomas C. Radabaugh, b 22 July 1821 in Jackson Co, Ohio, was the son of Samuel and Rhoda Jones Radabaugh; he first married Mary Elizabeth Dillman in Wms Co, OH on 3 May 1849 (Marriages V2 p109).  They were enumerated in the 1850 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH Federal Census p33, as Thomas 29 OH, Mary 26 CAN, and Melvin 4M OH.  Mary died in 1855.  An Internet posting stated that Thomas and Mary E Radabaugh had four children, Melvin, Aetna, Clara, and Evaline. The next census that sheds light on this widower was the 1860 College Twp, Linn Co, IA where Thomas 39 OH carpenter was listed with his two children Melvin 10 VA and Aetna A 9 OH.  He married a second time to Mary A, surname unknown (possibly Mary Williams), on 20 Aug 1861 in Weston, Lucas Co, OH (now Wood Co).  It is this marriage that landed in the divorce records.  Thomas enlisted in Co D Second Michigan Infantry in 1863, which is about the time that Mary was “abandoned”, although Thomas’ obituary stated that he was a resident of Hillsdale Co, MI since 1861.

According to the Williams Co, OH Civil and Criminal Court Records (Journal 6 – May 1866), Mary wanted a divorce.  She claimed that Thomas had left her and their son Carlton, aged 3 years. Thomas had real estate in Wms Co, OH and she received this land in lieu of alimony.  Shortly after the divorce Mary A. Radabaugh married Andrew Craig Bigelow, SR, on 2 June 1866, Wms Co, OH (Marriage V3 p564). In the 1870 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH Federal Census, the Bigelows were listed as Andrew 62 PA, Mary 50 PA, Carlton Radabaugh 8 OH, and Stephen Bigelow 68 PA, a brother to Andrew. 

An interesting point should be made here.  Andrew Bigelow had property in Farmer Twp where he farmed and raised a family, but yet he lived on the newly acquired farm of his second wife, property that she gained through this divorce. Andrew Bigelow, born 1806 NY, was married to Eliza Margaret Hyde on 5 Sept 1827 in Ticonderoga, Essex Co, NY; they had eight known children; Eliza Bigelow passed away on 23 Mar 1866; Andrew died on 22 Mar 1875 and was buried in Farmer Cemetery next to his first wife, Eliza. According to the 1880 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH Federal Census p611C, Mary Bigelow was enumerated as 60 PA, a widow, along with son Carlton Radabaugh, 17 OH.

Thomas C. Radabaugh became a bridegroom a third time when he married Mrs. Nancy Johnson Martin, widow of Robert Martin, on 26 Sept 1866 in Hillsdale Co, MI.  Nancy, the daughter of John W and Abigail Hill Johnson, was born on 19 July 1829 in Seneca Co, NY. She and former husband, Robert M. Martin, lived in Hillsdale before the Civil War; Robert was killed in the war on 26 Feb 1862 @36Y 5M 19D and was buried in the Divine Cemetery, Woodbridge Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI.

The Radabaughs were found in the 1870 Camden Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI Federal census p269, as Thomas 49 OH, Nancy M 39 NY, Rosa E 2 MI, and Oliver Martin 12 MI.  By the 1880 Camden Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI Federal Census p61A, Thomas, a book agent, was listed as 59 OH along with wife Nancy 52 MI, Rosa 12 MI, and Gay F (Herbert) 10 MI.  Nancy died in 1895 and Thomas passed away in 1904, both in Hillsdale Co, MI and were buried in Divine Cem, Woodbridge Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Radabaugh (James)

Hannah Ann Gideon Radabaugh v James Milton Radabaugh (Journal 6 p299-300 - 5 June 1863; Roll 16 case number 54 - June 1863)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

Daniel Brownawell, JP, married the couple on 29 Dec 1862 in Wms Co (Marriage V3 p212).  James Milton, b1831, Jackson Co, OH, was the son of Henry and Lydia Henson Radabaugh, Jr.  They were enumerated in the 1850 Brady Twp federal census p13, as Henry 50 VA, John 22 OH, Lydia 50 NC, William 20 OH, James 19 OH, Lorinda 1* OH, Margaret 16 OH, and Catherine 13 OH.  The 1860 West Unity, Brady Twp federal census, p151b, listed the family as Henry 58 VA, Lydia 59 NC, Henderson 27 OH, James 25 OH, and Catherine 19 OH.  As a neighbor of the Radabaughs in the 1860 Brady Twp federal census, p151a, Hannah Gideon was 20 OH, and lived with the William Richardson family; Margaret Richardson was a sister to James M. Radabaugh.

Hannah charged James with gross neglect and abandonment.  She said on 11 Mar 1863 he left her.  James had a 1/6^th inheritance from his father Henry to property in Brady Twp; Henry had died c15 Nov 1862 (Probate #718).  The couple had a daughter, Ida M, born 1862.  According to the 1880 Crystal, Montcalm Co, MI federal census p70 Hannah Radabaugh was listed as Hannah 40 OH-PA-OH widowed.  She lived near her daughter, Ida.  In the 1900 Crystal, Montcalm Co, MI federal census p14B Hannah Radabaugh born Feb 1839 OH-PA-OH was enumerated as mother-in-law of Leonard Tissne; Leonard’s wife, Ida, born Jan or June 1861 OH, was Hannah and James’ daughter.  An Internet source stated that Hannah died c1902.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Queen

Catharine A. Harker Queen v James H. Queen (Journal 6 p460  - 28 Feb 1865; Roll 17 case number 64 - Feb 1865)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

The couple was married in Rochester, Perry Twp, Noble Co, IN on 18 Feb 1856.  Catherine, b 3 Feb 1837, pos in Huntingdon, Huntingdon Co, PA, was the daughter of David Beaver and Jane Norris Harker.  The Harker family was listed in the 1850 St. Joseph Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p81B as David 39 PA farmer, Jane 35 PA, Jacob 15 PA, Catherine 14 PA, Amos 11 OH, John 9 OH, William 4 OH, David 2 OH, Sarah 7/12 OH, and Rebecca Norris 17 PA. The Queen couple was enumerated in the 1860 St Joseph Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p112a, as James 25 OH, Catherine 23 OH, and David 1 OH.  James H. Queen was a Civil War soldier, who served in Co H 14^th OVI and rose to the rank of First Sergeant.  He may have been born on 29 Apr 1836.

Catherine stated that they had three children, David T. (7), Mary Jane (5), and John Bruff (3).  James was a habitual drunk for more than three years and was guilty of gross neglect.  He ran away to Nashville, TN where he was the keeper of a house of ill fame.  A legal notice was posted in the Union Press and a divorce was granted.  On 22 Feb 1866 Catherine had married a George Wanamaker and lived in Lincoln, Washington Co, Kansas as evidenced by the 1870 federal census p358B. Note than Catherine was listed as 33 OH.

Son John Bruff Queen was a premier auctioneer during the Oklahoma land rush and was given the honorary title of Colonel.  He also rode as a Pony Express messenger.  James H. Queen supposedly married a second time to Margaret Steen, a PA native.  They settled in Denver, Arapahoe Co, Colorado where he died c1900.  Catharine’s second husband, George Wanamaker, was murdered by his gold rush partner after an expedition to Colorado in the mid-1870’s.  

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Priest

Barbara Ann Kaufman Priest v Peter Priest

Taking In Washing, No Divorce in Williams County, Ohio, 1874

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

When the divorce court refused to grant an abused wife her request for action, sometimes the lady has to grin and bear it.  Whatever justice she can find is often after the abusive spouse dies and the widow is free from a bad marriage, but often she was reduced to such financial arrangements as taking in washing to make ends meet.  This genealogical detailing illustrates such a circumstance. 

John Kaufman was listed on the Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census in 1840; later he appeared on the rolls of the Bryan voters on 15 June 1849 and was enumerated in the 1850 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p87B-88A, as John Cofman 55 PA, Mary 55 PA, Jacob 12 OH, John 10 OH. John was a builder of the early courthouse, the doorkeeper of that facility, and a veteran of the War of 1812, according to Stories of Fountain City, Van Gundy, 1975, p123. According to the Bryan Democrat, 18 July 1878, p5, Mrs. Kaufman, wife of John, died on 16 July 1878, of advanced aged.  She and her husband came to Wms Co c1838 from York, PA, and when the county seat was fixed at Bryan, they built a cabin on the land now owned by Dr. Graser (c1878).  They were the second family to do such.  In a newspaper article, Bryan Democrat, 31 Mar 1904, titled Bryan as It Appeared Fifty-Four Years Ago, there were several anecdotes about the Kaufman family.  John killed a deer while hoeing beans.  “The deer jumped into his garden and he ran the deer into a snow bank and killed it with a hoe.”  “John got a team and hauled lumber to his house from the mill.  But John liked to sleep and while he slept” area men loaded and stacked the lumber.  He never said a word about the lumber.  “John was an agent for the land (company).”

It is with Barbara Ann Kaufman that this story turns.  Barbara was born in PA on 22 Feb 1832.  She married Peter Priest, born on 21 Oct 1821, VA, on 2 Dec 1847 in Wms Co (Marriages V2 p99), and was listed with him and their daughter in the 1850 Pulaski Twp federal census p87, as Peter 28 OH no occupation, Barbara 18 PA, Sarah 2 OH, and Barbara's brother Joseph Cofman 39 PA carpenter.  From his obituary in The Bryan Democrat, Peter was born in Virginia but came to Wayne Co, OH as a youth.  Later he moved with his family to Williams County c1845.  As a young man he pursued the career of chair maker and later farmer and worker in a saw mill.

In the 1860 Washington Twp, Defiance Co, OH federal census p409 the Priest family, having moved, was enumerated as Peter 39 OH farmer, Barbara 29 OH, Sarah 11 OH, Rusilla 9 OH, Charles 4 OH, and Elizabeth 2 OH.  By the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p21, the family was enumerated as Peter 49 OH retired farmer, Barbara A 39 OH, Charles 15 OH, Elizabeth 12 OH, Clara 3 OH, and George 5/12 OH.  Peter was a Civil War veteran in Co B 6^th Reg OH Cavalry and Co M 9^th Reg OH Cavalry.

Barbara appeared before the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court (Journal 8 p269 - 3 Nov 1874; Roll 26 case number 80), requesting a divorce from Peter.  She stated that on 28 June 1874 she had him arrested for extreme cruelty but he was found not guilty.  On 12 July 1874 he again threatened to kill her along with performing physical abuse which she graphically described. Peter struck, choked, and stomped on her with his boots before throwing her into a ditch. Peter, she stated, had refused to give her any money for clothing and care for their seven-year-old daughter Clara Jane.  Peter owned Lot 67 in Bryan valued at $150 and had a wide range of household property.  The court refused to grant her wishes for a divorce.  Barbara’s parents died in 1878 (Mrs. Mary M. Kaufman) and 1879 (John Kaufman).

Peter and Barbara were enumerated in the 1880 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census as Peter 58 PA no occupation, Barbara 48 OH, Charles 24 OH, and Jennie 18 OH. In July 1882 Peter applied for a Civil War invalid pension. On 11 Aug 1895 Peter died @73Y 9M 18D and was laid to rest in the Bryan Fountain Grove Cemetery.  Peter was a member of the Evans Post GAR.

In the 1900 Bryan federal census p167, Barbara, who had nine children with four surviving, was listed as a widow who took in washing at her home on E. Wilson St; she was born Feb 1832 (68) PA and lived with her daughter Jenny, born Apr 1867 (33) OH. The known Priest children were Sarah (1848-?), Charles H (July 1856 - 1922; m Lydia A __), Elizabeth (1858 - ?), Clara Jane "Jennie"(Apr 1867 - 1914), and George (1870-1897). On 3 Jan 1908 Barbara died and was buried beside husband, Peter Priest.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Poynter/Pointer/Bunker

Caroline Bunker Poynter v Henry Poynter/Pointer

Henry Poynter/Pointer v Amanda Pointer Poynter

Sarah Ann Gannon Bunker v William Bunker

What Goes Around Comes Around, Three Divorces in Williams County, Ohio, 1857, 1859, and 1863

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 2010)

What seems particularly interesting to me when dealing with these divorce cases based on adultery is that many of the cheaters end up being cheated on by the other man or woman.  It reminds me of the old saying, "what goes around, comes around."  The genealogical detailing of this initial couple has a few additional twists concerning marital relationships, which were acceptable in bygone times, but for the most part, are not today.

Henry Pointer, the son of Nathaniel and Catherine Webb Pointer, was born on 24 Sept 1823, probably Knox Twp, Columbiana Co, OH.  Nathaniel, a Virginia native, and his first wife Catherine were the parents of eight children, Lucinda, Levin, Henry, Elender Whitney, Anna Whitney, Barbara Bafley, Joseph, and Catherine Alverson.  Catherine, the mother, died and on 16 Apr 1849 Nathaniel married his sister-in-law, Sarah, the widow of brother Samuel Pointer.

Samuel and Sarah Pointer were the parents of eleven children, William, Robert, Samuel, Rebecca J. Snow Back, Benjamin, Matilda, Sarah Ann, Eunice, Mary Ann, Amanda, and Louisa Jane.  Samuel died sometime after his youngest daughter was born c1842, and his widow joined the other Pointer family as the stepmother.  In the 1850 Madison Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p33, the Pointer family was enumerated as Nathaniel 52VA, Sarah 43 VA, with James and Anna Whitney and their family.

Brothers Nathaniel, Samuel, and Leminal are believed to be the sons of a William Pointer of Knox Twp, Columbiana Co, OH.  The brothers moved to Wms Co between 1835-1840.  Nathaniel and second wife Sarah were buried in the Floral Grove Cemetery, Pioneer, OH, as Nathaniel (2 Nov 1796-30 Oct 1880) and Sarah (6 Dec 1806-4 Apr 1885).

Son of Nathaniel, Henry Pointer, was listed in the 1850 Bridgewater Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p49, as a lodger in the household of his brother Levin; Henry was 21 years old.  Henry married in 1851, Hillsdale Co, MI (Marriages Book B p230) teenager Caroline Bunker (b.1836 OH), the daughter of John and Betsey Bunker.  The Pointers became parents of Ruth (1851/1854).  According to the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court Records (Journal 5, p317, 342, 517 - Apr 1854, Nov 1854, 20 Mar 1857; Roll 11 case number 114 - June 1858) Caroline sought a divorce on the grounds that Henry had committed adultery with an Amanda Pointer.  As it turns out this teenager Amanda was Henry's first cousin and the daughter of Henry's stepmother, Sarah.  Wife Caroline wanted custody of minor daughter Ruth plus $52 in alimony to be paid annually for nine years.  The court agreed to the divorce on 20 Mar 1857, but in June 1858 (Roll 11 case number 114) Caroline had to sue Henry for this money and asked for witnesses to testify to her need; these witnesses were William Bunker, Charles Bunker, and WA Smith.  Henry Pointer wanted his brother Levin to pay Caroline money because Henry said Levin owed him money.

Prior to her marriage, Caroline was found in the 1850 Superior Twp federal census p38B, as Caroline 14 OH living with her parents John Bunker 67 NJ and Betsey 58 NY.  Her mother died before the 1860 federal census for that township where her father was listed as John Bunker 77 NJ living with his son William Bunker 26 OH and his family.  Caroline and daughter Ruth were not enumerated with them. 

On 27 Mar 1857 in Woodbridge, Hillsdale Co, MI (Marriages Book B p475) Henry Pointer married Amanda Pointer, b1840, his first cousin. According to the 1860 Bridgewater Twp federal census p94B, Henry 35 OH and Qanies (m) 3 OH lived with Henry’s brother Levin and his family. Within the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court Records (Roll 16 - June 1863) Henry brought suit against his wife Amanda whom he stated had been willfully absent for at least three years.  He further told the court that in April 1860 Amanda committed adultery in the house of Amos Landford near Coldwater, Branch Co, MI and he wanted a divorce; apparently there were no children.  The court agreed with his suit and granted the divorce.  Nothing further is known of Amanda. 

About a year later in Hillsdale Co, MI, Henry married teenager Sarah Ann Morris (b1847) in 1864 (Marriages Book C p402).  As of the 1870 Madison Twp federal census p25, the couple was listed as Henry 45 OH teamster, Sarah 23 OH.  On 10 Oct 1876 Henry died near Hillsdale, MI but his place of burial and any further particulars about his widow are not currently known.  There was a Sarah Morris age 3 OH with perhaps a stepfather John Clyne and wife Sarah Clyne listed in the 1850 Madison Twp federal census, p33B.  Guardianship was granted for Sarah Ann Morris on 23 Dec 1852, Wms Co (Probate #260).  Whether this Sarah was the third wife of Henry Pointer needs to be verified.

There was another divorce that ties into the Bunker family for Caroline Bunker Pointer's brother William Bunker, b1834 OH.  He married Sarah Ann Gannon, 25 Dec 1856, Bridgewater Twp, Wms Co (Marriages V2 p174).  Sarah, b1837, possibly Livingston Co, NY, was the daughter of Bartholomew (8 May 1813, Livingston Co, NY - 2 Dec 1887, Seward, Nebraska) and Malila Adana McFall Gannon (1819 - 1862/1865, Wms Co).  William and Sarah Bunker became the parents of son George Willis Bunker, b.28 July 1857. 

According to the Williams County, Ohio Civil and Criminal Court (Journal 5 - Mar 1858; Roll 14 case number 12 - Mar 1860) Sarah Ann Bunker sued her husband for a divorce citing adultery on his part.  On 25 July 1857, 28 July 1857, and 20 May 1859 at the homes of Hiram Hilton of Steuben Co, IN and Nelson M. Bunker of Superior Twp, Wms Co, William committed adultery with Mary Taylor and as of 1 Aug 1857 William had sold his Superior Twp property, owed Sarah money, said farewell, and was living with this Mary Taylor and the Hiram Hilton family in Steuben Co, IN.

The tricky aspect of this case was that Sarah was abandoned by her husband on the very day she gave birth to their son, 28 July 1857; Sarah stated,  "I want this child to be declared William Bunker's child."  Since the minor infant was born during the impending proceedings, Sarah needed the court to accept satisfactory proof that the child was the issue of this marriage.  Evidently the court was satisfied by Sarah's parade of witnesses ready to inform the court of her wayward spouse's infidelities and plans to leave her destitute.  She called her father Bartholomew Gannon to give testimony as well as Hannah and Sarah A. Tingley, to name just a few witnesses.  The court granted Sarah a divorce.

As found in the 1860 Superior Twp federal census rolls William Bunker had married Mary Taylor; he was 26 and she was 20 years old.  They had a child Mina 5/12 OH.  In 1898 William Bunker died in Huntington Co, IN.  In the 1860 Bridgewater Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census, one finds B. Gannon 46 NY, Dana 42 NY, Sarah 22 OH, Joseph 20, Wilber 18, Samuel 16, Jerome 14, George 12, Myron 9, Frank 7, Charles 5, Marion 3, and George 3.  This young George was surely the son of Sarah and William Bunker. Nothing more is known of the other parties in this case.