Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Burchell (Roll 47) and more Civil Actions

Hulda(h) Diehl/Deal Burchell v Richard H. Burchell (Journal 14 p535 - 14 Mar 1889; Roll 47 Box 155 case number 2034)- 17 Jan 1889 - See Native Sons Gone Wrong, Lash, 2001, p8-9

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 8 December 2011)

The couple was married in Wms Co, OH on 7 Jan 1885 by George E. Coy, JP (Marriage V5 #581).  Huldah charged Richard with being willfully absent for three years or more and with gross neglect.  She said on 7 June 1885 he refused to care for her maintenance and comfort.  He was a strong, healthy man and earned wages.  She had to provide for herself through her own labors.  She requested a divorce, restoration of her maiden name of Diehl, and reasonable alimony. A divorce was granted along with an alimony schedule of $500 to be paid in installments. 

Richard, born in Apr 1865, was a native of Bryan, OH, the son of John and Ellen Burchell, natives of Ireland.  The Burchells were enumerated in the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p49-50, as John 48 IR laborer, Ellen 33 IR, John 11 OH, Mary 10 OH, Richard 6 OH, George 4 OH, and Michael 2/12 OH.

I have written a great deal about the Burchell family in connection with the murder of Arthur Brown and if someone wants to read about this the source is above in red.

From Williams Co, OH Common Pleas Journal 15 p109 – The State of Ohio v Richard and George Burchell, case #853 – 22 Nov 1889, assault and battery:

Richard had to pay $5 fine while George paid only $1; they were sent to jail until the fines were paid and then in case #869 the fines were reversed.

From Williams Co, OH Common Pleas Journal 15 p348-349 – The State of Ohio v Myron Stuckman, Richard Burchell, Michael Burchel, case #841 – 9 June 1890: assault and battery:

Richard says he is not guilty on 13 June 1890; for case #842, resisting arrest, he says he’s not guilty.

From Williams Co, OH Common Pleas Journal 15 p384-385 – The State of Ohio v Richard Burchell and Stockman, case #385 – 28 June 1890, assault and battery:

Richard said he’s not guilty but now retracts his plea to guilty.  He pays a fine of $10 plus court costs but he’s in default of paying the money so he was committed to a jail term.  He must have a bond of $200 for his good behavior, especially toward August Heidley (Marshall).  William Aungst (the blacksmith shop owner/employer of the Burchells) paid his sureity of $200 and Richard is to keep the piece for two years.

Richard Burchell married Clara Miller on 18 Aug 1898 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V6 #599).  He died in West Unity, Brady Twp, Williams Co, OH on 29 Feb 1928.

Huldah, the daughter of Levi and Juliann Diehl, was also born in Bryan, OH on 5 July 1864. 

Bryan Democrat, 3 Nov 1889, p3 c2

Miss Huldah Diehl’s property on South Lebanon Street (Bryan) is undergoing improvements.

After the divorce Hulda Diehl married George Bunker, the son of Nelson and Mary Taylor Bunker.  They married on 20 Mar 1900 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V8 p130).  They were the parents of one unknown child, Ray H Bunker (20 Jan 1901, Bryan) and Ellsworth E Bunker (10 July 1904, Bryan).

1900 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: T623_1332; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 112.

h/h 285/289 Bunker, George (Jan 1864) 36 OH-OH-OH no occup

Huldah A wife (July 1863) 36 OH-PA-PA mar 0 yrs 0/0 ch laundry woman

1910 Pulaski, Williams, Ohio; Roll: T624_1241; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 0130; Image: 951; FHL Number: 1375254.

h/h 335  Bunker, George 47 OH-OH-OH mar 1x farmer

Hulda B wife 46 OH-OH-OH mar 2x; mar 10Y 3/1 ch

Raymond H son 9 OH-OH-OH

Huldah Bunker died c23 Oct-30 Oct 1914 as listed in the Bryan Democrat newspaper index.

George Bunker (7 Nov 1861 Montpelier, Superior Twp, Williams Co, OH – 5 Jan 1944) died in Edgerton, St. Joseph Twp, Williams Co, OH and was buried in the Brown Cemetery. 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Bloom (Roll 47)

Elizabeth Catherine Cook Bloom v Samuel H Bloom (Journal 15 p75 case number 2110 – 30 Aug 1889; p111 – 22 Nov 1889; Roll 47 Box 158 case number 2110) – 3 Sept 1889

By Pamela S. Lash (updated 17 July 2011)

Very faded record – extremely difficult to read on microfilm but a journal entry established the divorce as granted on 22 Nov 1889.

The couple was married on 3 July 1884 in Amboy, Hillsdale Co, MI.  According to the online marriage record, Samuel H. Bloom was 44 and Elizabeth Cook was 28 years old, both natives of Ohio – he of Richland Co c1840, and she of Seneca Co c1856.  Note that these approximate birth dates are not accurate.

Elizabeth said she had very delicate health.  Samuel used abusive language and was violent.  The couple had at least one child.  Without provocation he threatened to throw her out of the house and whip her with a horsewhip.  He has a personal problem (?) and finally locked her out of the house.  She sought a temporary injunction at the Defiance Ohio Court of Common Pleas; this injunction or another one was recorded in Williams County per Journal 15.  He had land and there is a description (not easy to decipher).  He also had 2 red and white spotted cows, one red steer, and 14 head of sheep.

Subpoenas were made for the following to give testimony for Elizabeth (1 Nov 1889):

Charles Newcomb

Devy Newcomb

Ella Stiving

George Burns

Mrs. Rebecca Sheets

Ralph Scranton

Peter Moore

John Inerly

Nora Shinnebarger

George Shinnebarger

John Shinnebarger

Sarah J Kinsely

Subpoenas were made for the following to give testimony for Samuel:

Samuel Bistline

George Newcomb

Robert Newcomb

Laura A Bloom

Mrs. Andy Esterline

Mrs. Erin Maneval

Mrs. John Bavin

Samuel Flowers

Mrs. Mary Ebaugh

Solomon Keller

George Shaffer

William F Lutz

Mary J Bloom

George Webber

Samuel in his answer said he was not an able-bodied man for many years and can’t perform manual labor.  His personal property was no greater than $100; his real estate was mortgaged.  Prior to this marriage he was married to another woman and had three minors, two of whom depend on him; their mother is dead.

Samuel said Elizabeth was not fit to have custody of children.  She is profane, vulgar, and a smoker.  She has 20 pipes full of tobacco in one day.

A divorce was granted per Journal 15 p111 whereby Elizabeth charged Samuel with extreme cruelty and gross neglect. She was restored to her maiden name of Cook, an alimony schedule was set, she retained some property in Madison Twp, and was custodian of minor children – Henry B, SC who was 4Y, and William FC who was 1Y.  Here is what I’ve been able to find on the couple:

Samuel H. Bloom was the son of Samuel and Mary Campbell Bloom; he was born on 17 Mar 1839 in Richland Co, OH.

Elizabeth Cook, born 1867 in Seneca Co, Ohio, was the daughter of Henry and Catherine Holtzburg/Hulsburg Cook.

1870 Mill Creek, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M593_1282; Page: 123A; Image: 249; Family History Library Film: 552781.

Elizabeth Cook 4 OH living with her parents

1880 Mill Creek, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1077; Family History Film: 1255077; Page: 493A; Enumeration District: 4; Image: 0621.

Elizabeth Cook 13 OH living with her parents; her siblings were John, Mary, Charles, Franklin, and Elnora

Samuel and his first wife, Mary Kessell/Kissel, had a daughter, Laura A, born c1874 in Ohio, a son, George Elmer, born on 22 Sept 1877 in Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH, a daughter, Florence, born on 14 Apr 1879 in Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH, and a daughter, Sarah A, born 26 Oct 1882 in Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH.  Mary A. Bloom was born in 1845, Richland Co, OH and died on 28 Jan 1883 in Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH (Death V2 p19); shortly after her death, their son George Elmer died on 5 Feb 1883 (Death V2 p19) – both of lung fever.

1880 Madison, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1077; Family History Film: 1255077; Page: 481C; Enumeration District: 3; Image: 0596.

h/h 386 Bloom, Samuel H 41 farmer OH-PA-PA

Mary A 37 wife OH-PA-PA

Laura A 6 dau OH-OH-OH

Mary J 4 dau OH-OH-OH

George E 2 dau OH-OH-OH

Florence J 1 dau OH-OH-OH

Samuel married Elizabeth Cook on 3 July 1884.

Samuel and Elizabeth had a son, Henry B., born on 20 Feb 1885, Alvordton, Millcreek Twp, Williams Co, OH, and a son, John William, born on 2 May 1888, Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH.

Shortly before the divorce proceedings began Samuel set up a guardianship for the three girls, Florence, Laura, and Mary on 6 Apr 1889 (Probate case number 2993).  Divorce proceedings were going on between Sept-Nov 1889.

1900 Madison, Williams, Ohio; Roll: T623_1332; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 107.

h/h 311/314 Bloom, Samuel H (Mar 1839) 61 widower OH-PA-PA farmer

Mary J dau (Apr 1876) 24 OH-OH-OH

1910 York, Fulton, Ohio; Roll: T624_1184; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0018; Image: 527; FHL Number: 1375197.

Samuel H. Bloom 71 Oh-OH-OH living with his daughter Florence Malburg and her son Forest L Malburg

1920 Dover, Fulton, Ohio; Roll: T625_1384; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 34; Image: 849.

Samuel H Bloom 81 widower OH inmate at Fulton Co Infirmary Farm

Samuel H Bloom died in Fulton Co, OH on 29 Apr 1920.  He was buried in Primrose Cem, Millcreek Twp, Williams Co, OH (1839-1920) along with his first wife, and children George Elmer and Laura A (1874-1894).  Daughter Florence Malburg was later buried there too (1879-1941).

It appears that Elizabeth Cook Bloom married Willis Elmer Altman on 16 Mar 1892 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V6 #650).  The couple was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, Madison Twp, Williams Co, OH as

Libbie A (Cook)Altman (5 Jan 1867 – 5 Feb 1920), d/o Henry and Catherine Hollzkey Cook

Willis/Woolace Elmer Altman (25 May 1866 – 12 July 1917), s/o Levi and Sarah Clay Altman

Elizabeth Altman’s estate was probated on 23 Mar 1920 in Williams Co, OH (Probate case number 6704).

Estate Suit - James Thompson v Elizabeth Thompson (Roll 48)

Roll 48 Box 109 case number 2141 – June 1879

James Thompson v Elizabeth Thompson

By Pamela Pattison Lash

This case involved a land transaction, which is another type of action found in the old Civil and Criminal Court records.  This case included a list of people involved in the suit.

In his suit James Thompson listed the following people:

William Thompson

Albert Thompson

Nullel Jesse Estep

Jacob Estep

Mary J Wilson

Joe Wilson

Martha Webster/Whitaker

Thomas Webster/Whitaker

Betsey Geesman

George Geesman

Nancy Shafer

Elias Shafer

Elvira Thompson

A, Thompson

Elizabeth Thompson

William Letcher

Elizabeth Thompson, widow of Turner Thompson

Turner Thompson b1798 VA married Elizabeth Thompson b1798 VA on 15 Aug 1817 in Fauquier Co, VA

Turner purchased 80A on 16 Oct 1835 at the Wapakonetta, OH Land Office – Turner Thompson of Williams County, OH

1840 Jefferson, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 227; Page: 433; Image: 461; Family History Library Film: 0020179.

Farmer Thompson

1m under 5

2m 10-14

1m 20-29

1m 40-49

1f under 5

2f 5-9

1f 10-14

2f 15-19

1f 40-49

Total of 12 free persons – 5 employed in agriculture

1850 Jefferson, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M432_741; Page: 22B; Image: 49.

h/h 304/306 Thompson, Turner 49 VA farmer

Elizabeth 49 VA

Joseph 21 OH

John 19 OH

Martha 17 OH

Louisa 15 OH

Albert 13 OH

Nancy 11 OH

1860 Brady, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M653_1052; Page: 151; Image: 308; Family History Library Film: 805052.

h/h 417 Gesserman, George 55 PA

Elizabeth 45 VA

In a legal notice, which was posted in the Bryan Press, 27 Sept 1877, p2, the estate of Turner Thompson was finalized and mentioned son Albert Thompson of Burlington, Iowa. – see Thompson divorce

Updates to Divorce Posts

By Pamela Pattison Lash

As I find new information to add to older postings, I will do the following on the original post - update with date in red and add new information to original post, also in red.  As my guest you can always use the search feature here to find older posts and see if there are any updates.  I hope this is helpful.

These are some tidbits I found recently.

(Blaker) The Bryan Press, 3 July 1879 p5 c1

Information as to the whereabouts of Charles and Albert Blaker, formerly of this place is wanted.  Their uncle who resided in Missouri, recently died and made them his heirs.  Charles was in Des Moines, Iowa, when last heard from, and Albert was working south of Goshen, IN about a year ago.  Any communication concerning them will be thankfully received by ER Bennett of this place.  Exchanges please copy.

(Daggett) The Bryan Press, 3 July 1879 p5

Married

Beard-Doolittle

On the evening of 3 July 1879 at the bride’s residence in Stryker, Williams County, OH, by Rev H A Brown, Mr. Jason W Beard of Summit, DeKalb Co, IN to Mrs. Pheoba A Doolittle of Stryker, OH.

(Eaton) The Bryan Press, 10 July 1879, p1

Jared Eaton and his son Charles have returned from the east where they have been on business for the last three or four weeks.

(Hayes) The Bryan Press, 3 July 1879, p5

Married

Hayes-Patton

On the 4^th of July 1879 at the office of and by Milton B Plummer, JP, Mr John Hayes and Miss Almeda Patton, all of Pulaski Village.

(Thomas) The Bryan Press, 26 June 1879 p4 c1

The case of Mrs. Thomas against Thomas Hudson, both of Pioneer, an action for slander, has occupied the court and a special jury since last Thursday, and is still going on as we go to press.  Plaintiff claims damage to the amount of $15,000.  We should judge that nearly all Pioneer, and a large part of the township are here as witnesses.

(Thomas) The Bryan Press, 3 July 1879 p5 c1

The case of Mrs. Thomas against Hodson came to a close last Thursday, with the jury returning a verdict of $400 in favor of the plaintiff.

(Weldon) The Bryan Press, 14 Aug 1879 p5

Mrs. WF Parker of Topeka, Kansas is visiting her mother, Mrs. Weldon, and other friends here.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Selders (Roll 48)

Margaret E. Selders v John N. Selders (Roll 48 Box 163 case number 2130) – 29 Oct 1889

By Pamela Pattison Lash

According to Margaret the couple was married on 14 Sept 1882 in Williams Co, OH but no marriage record has been found.  She said they did not have children.

Margaret charged John with extreme gross neglect for more than four years.  She had to live off the charity of her friends.  When they were at a residence in Defiance Co, OH in Mar 1889 he struck her and caused her mouth to bleed.  At their residence in Montpelier, Williams Co, OH in Oct 1889 he threatened her; specifically on 26 Oct 1889 he threw her out charging at her with a butcher knife and has refused to cohabit with her for the last year.

There was no decision in the court documents so it is unclear whether she received a divorce. 

If John N is really John W. Selders, he may be the son of Philip and Hannah Selders.  More information is listed below on this family, but it is not currently known if this is his family.  Without anything else to discover, I can not provide any more data on Margaret.  Anyone recognize this couple?

1850 Farmer, Defiance, Ohio; Roll: M432_674; Page: 68B; Image: 650.

h/h 915/915 Selders, Philip and wife Hannah plus children

1860 Farmer, Defiance, Ohio; Roll: M653_947; Page: 370; Image: 191; Family History Library Film: 803947.

h/h 337/335 Selder, Philip and wife Hannah plus children, one of whom was John 5 OH

1870 Farmer, Defiance, Ohio; Roll: M593_1195; Page: 86B; Image: 176; Family History Library Film: 552694.

h/h 150/140 Selders, Philip 54 OH farmer

Hannah 56 PA

S. Parker (m) 24 OH teacher

George L 17 OH

John W14 OH

Bash, Ellen 6 OH – see Joseph Long divorce

1880 Farmer, Defiance, Ohio; Roll: 1011; Family History Film: 1255011; Page: 220B; Enumeration District: 240; Image: 0666.

h/h 92/97 Selders, Pilip 62 farmer OH-PA-PA

Hannah 66 wife PA-PA-PA

John W 21 son works on farm OH-OH-PA single

Bryan Press, 31 Mar 1887 – Hannah Selder’s obit

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Rice (Roll 48)

Alva Rice v Mary Read Rice (Journal 15 p444; Roll 48 Box 166 case number 2148) - 7 Dec 1889

By Pamela Pattison Lash

The couple was married in Perry Co, OH c1854.  Alva could not give an accurate description of dates because of the accidental destruction of the family Bible.  He said the couple had the following children:

Anna, age 14

Martha, age 18, married

Lizzie, age 20, married

Mary J, age 22, married

Arthur, age 23

Peter, age 27

William, age 29

Sarah, age 30, married (Daniel Haley in NW Twp, Williams Co, OH)

Alva charged Mary with gross neglect and being willfully absent for more than four years.  He resided in Hamler, Henry Co, OH and wanted custody of the minor, Anna. There was no indication in the record that Alva received a divorce.  Clearly in 1880 Mary resided in Henry Co, OH as head of house with her children.  There is undoubtedly more to this story, but here's what I have found so far.

Alva, the son of William and Mary Tharp Rice, was born in Ohio on 25 Sept/Oct 1829.  He died in Carryall Twp, Paulding Co, OH on 4 Oct 1906.

Mary Read was born on 21 Jan 1833 in Ohio.

1860 Perry, Hocking, Ohio; Roll: M653_988; Page: 203; Image: 410; Family History Library Film: 803988.

h/h 36/36 Rice, Alba 40 OH cooper

Mary 26 OH

Sarah Catharine 9 OH

William 7 OH

Peter 1 OH

1870 Harrison, Henry, Ohio; Roll: M593_1221; Page: 295A; Image: 108; Family History Library Film: 552720.

h/h 126/127 Rice, Alvin 40 OH farmer

Polly 40 OH

William 16 OH

Peter 13 OH

Arthur 9 OH

Mary J 7 OH

Lizzie 3 OH

Alba Rice paid chattel tax in Harrison Twp, Henry Co, OH c1872

1880 Marion, Henry, Ohio; Roll: 1032; Family History Film: 1255032; Page: 196D; Enumeration District: 119; Image: 0395.

h/h 28/28 Rice, Mary 47 OH-PA-PA

Arthur son 19 OH-OH-OH works in stave factory

Jane dau 16 OH-OH-OH

Lizzie dau 13 OH-OH-OH

Martha dau 10 OH-OH-OH

Stella dau 7 OH-OH-OH (5 June 1873, Harrison Twp, Henry Co, OH Birth – Zedelia Rice; died Jan 1883)

Anna dau 4 OH-OH-OH

1880 Defiance, Defiance, Ohio; Roll: 1011; Family History Film: 1255011; Page: 104C; Enumeration District: 233; Image: 0467.

h/h  401/462 Rice, Alva 50 boarder with John and Maria Lehman family OH-VA-PA can not read or write, widower

1900 Marion, Henry, Ohio; Roll: T623_1286; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 29.

Randolph St

h/h  117/117 Rice, Mary (Jan 1833) 67 mar 48Y 10/6 ch OH-PA-PA owns farm

1900 Antwerp, Paulding, Ohio; Roll: T623_1312; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 46.

h/h 181/184 Rice, Alva brother-in-law of George Long and wife M. Ellen (Oct 1829) 70 widower, shoemaker, OH-OH-OH

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Pew (Roll 48)

Estella “Stella” May Pierce Sutliff Pew v Harlon J Pew (Journal 15 p214 – 6 Mar 1890; Roll 48 case number 2185 – cMay 1888)

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 25 December 2011)

The couple was married on 4 Mar 1883 in Lansing, Tompkins Co, NY.  On 26 May 1888 Harlon was tried, found guilty, and sentenced by the court to the State Prison in Auburn, NY for six years.  His crime was arson and his prison term began on 29 May 1888.  Stella wanted a divorce and restoration of her maiden name, Sutliff.  Note that this is not her maiden name but her first husband’s surname. 

There is no notation on the divorce record as to an actual decree being granted; however in the Journal p214 it does state that Stella received a divorce on 6 Mar 1890.  The bigger question is why would someone from NY travel to Williams County, Ohio for a divorce? 

Harlon J. Pew, the son of Thomas and Caroline Dodge Pew, was born in Etna, Tompkins Co, NY c1854.

1870 Dryden Districts 2 and 3, Tompkins, New York; Roll: M593_1104; Page: 98B; Image: 202; Family History Library Film: 552603.

h/h 256/271 Pew, Harman 18 NY living with his mother Caroline and his siblings

1880 Groton, Tompkins, New York; Roll: 938; Family History Film: 1254938; Page: 151A; Enumeration District: 231; Image: 0305.

h/h 134/155 Pew, Caroline 49 widow/divorced NY-VT-NY farmer

Harlan 27 son laborer NY-NY-NY

James H 23 son laborer NY-NY-NY

Harry E 15 son NY-NY-NY

Minnie E 13 dau NY-NY-NY

Note – There are Sutliff families listed down the page.

Estella May Pierce Sutliff was born on 1 Sept 1857 in Peruville, Tompkins Co, NY; her maiden name was Pierce and her parents were Stillman and Emeline Underwood Pierce; her mother Emma/Emeline married James Hoffman, Stella’s stepfather.  Stella married Rufus Sutliff on 21 Oct 1874 who died sometime before 1880.  Stella had three children, Ray C, Emma M, and Rua Eliza.

1860 Groton, Tompkins, New York; Roll: M653_868; Page: 7; Image: 11; Family History Library Film: 803868.

h/h 50/50 Pierce, Stillman E 27 farmer NY

Emeline 26 NY

Stella 3 NY

George 1/12 NY

Many lodgers and what appears to be Stillman’s mother, Hannah, 50 MA

1870 Dryden Districts 1 and 4, Tompkins, New York; Roll: M593_1104; Page: 58B; Image: 122; Family History Library Film: 552603.

h/h 42/42 Hoffman, James 33 farmer NY

Emeline 36 NY

Maggie 4 NY

Pierce, Stella M 12 NY

Edgar 9 NY

1880 Dryden, Tompkins, New York; Roll: 938; Family History Film: 1254938; Page: 79A; Enumeration District: 227; Image: 0160.

h/h 41/43 Hoffman, James 43 NY-NY-NY farmer

Emma 46 wife NY-NY-NY

Maggie 14 dau NY-NY-NY

Sutliff, Stella M 22 widowed/divorced step dau NY-NY-NY

Ray step grandson 4 NY-NY-NY

Emma step granddau 3 NY-NY-NY

Rua step grandau 5/12 Jan

Stella died on 9 Dec 1943 in Tompkins Co, NY according to data from online source.