New Twists to Divorce Detailing of George G Cowhick and Rilla Fisher, 1881

 Arilla/Rilla Fisher Cowhick v George G. Cowhick (Journal 11 p320 - 31 Dec 1881; Roll 37 case number 963 - 16 Nov 1881)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 6 November 2021)

As stated in other posts, I have been updating divorce detailings I posted here in 2010.  When I began to update this one, I realized there was so much new information that impacted the original story, so I decided to make a new posting of this with all the twists and turns of a novel - “you can’t make this stuff up” was in my head when I typed the story of a bigamist who later becomes a doctor (maybe??)!

 

The couple was married on 29 Jan 1874, in Williams Center, Williams Co OH (Marriage V4 p323).  George was the son of William and Mary Jane Rex Cowhick who lived in Donegal, Washington Co, PA in 1860. His father was a veteran of the War of 1812, having served as a private in the first Regiment, Kennedy’s PA Militia. George was born in 1853 at Hancock Co, VA (now WVA). George Cowhick 17 OH laborer was listed in the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p35, with the Milton Plummer family.  Closeby was another Cowhick family, his mother and siblings: Dan 21 OH fireman, Jane Mary 57 PA, Elizabeth 18 OH, and Winfield 11 PA. 

 

Rilla was the daughter of James C. and Rebecca Mannon Fisher, who were married in Wms Co on 28 Sept 1852 (Marriages V2 p129). Rills was born on 13 January 1856 in this county.  According to the 1870 Center Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p38, the Fisher family was enumerated as James C. 42 OH stockman, Rebecca 36 PA, Jane 16 OH, Rilla 14 OH, Della 9 OH, Ella 7 OH, Addie 5 OH, Carrie 2 OH and in the 1880 same location census she was listed as Rilla Fisher 24 daughter, single.

 

Our story from the marriage in 1874 turns to an old newspaper clipping from the Delphos Weekly Herald (Delphos, OH), 28 November 1878 p3 c3:

“The people of Willshire have been shocked by the discovery of a veritable bigamist in their midst.  The offender heretofore bore a good reputation and was one of the leading business men of that thriving village.  The following particulars are taken from the Van Wert Bulletin of last Friday:

 

The town of Willshire, this county, was thrown into an excitement, a few days ago, by the announcement that Mr GM Clair, a prominent businessman, had two wives and was passing under an assumed name.  Mr Clair came to Willshire in 1874, is a man of fine appearance and pleasant address and soon won the confidence of the people by putting on moral airs.  He joined a temperance society, attended parties and was one of the gayest of the gay.  He wooed and won Miss Amanda E Woods, and they were joined in marriage 30 July 1874 by Rev O Kennedy.  Soon after the marriage the father and mother of the lady he had led down the altar died and she fell heir to some four or five thousand dollars.  Clair took charge of the money and went into the milling business with Mr BF Woods and others under the firm of Woods, Clair, and Co.  Mr Clair sold his interest in the mill and went into the hardware, stove, and tin business, and continued in that business until detected.

 

He lost money and had squandered nearly everything the woman that he had so terribly wronged had fallen heir to.  He drank heavily and some four weeks ago, while delirious, gave the first illumination of his crime.  A few days later a map peddler visited Willshire and exposed him, said his true name was George Cowhick, and he formerly lived in Bryan, Williams County, Ohio, and that he has a wife living in that county.  The case was investigated and the peddler’s statement was found to be true.

 

His mother lives in Williams County and did not know of his whereabouts.  He was married to Miss Rilla Fisher at Williams Center on 29 January 1874 and they lived together at Hicksville some three months.  He left and she heard from him by letter a few days afterwards, but since that time could get no trace of the runaway.

 

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr Clair alias Cowhick and he was arrested in Indiana Monday night and placed in jail in Van Wert Tuesday morning.  He admitted the charge, said he wanted a special grand jury at the present term of court to hurry the matter up.  He is probably in haste to enter new fields of conquest.  A jury was summoned, Cowhick was indicted for bigamy and was arraigned Wednesday morning and pleaded guilty.  He made a pretty speech in the court, said he had been a bad, naughty man, but had resolved to do better.  The court pitied him for his sorrow and let him off with one year in the penitentiary.

 

The friends of the second lady he married induced him to sell his stock of goods to them, making the notes, which amounted to some $1,700 in her name, thus saving a portion of her money.

 

The First Lady he married was here last week, but did not wish to prosecute him.  His second victim also refused to prosecute.  He loves the last lady passionately and tried to get her to promise to live with him when he returned, but she refused.  Fortunately neither of the women had children.

 

Cowhick’s mother acted the part of the true woman.  When she heard of her son’s crime she went at once to Willshire to console the woman he had so terribly wronged.”

 

Whether George G Cowhick ever served time in the penitentiary is anyone’s guess.  No records have currently been found to confirm or deny this punishment.

 

Now back to the divorce in Williams County – Rilla in 1881 told the court that George had been absent for more than three years and she wanted a divorce, which was granted. One wonders why she did not file immediately after visiting Willshire/Van Wert in 1878. In the 1900 Center Twp, Williams Co, OH federal census p14B, the Fisher family was enumerated as James C 69 OH, Rebecca 66 OH, Arilla (daughter, divorced) b Jan 1866 (34), and Charles 22 OH. Note that her birth year is not correct.  In both the 1900 and 1910 Rilla Fisher was listed as divorced as was her sister Addie Fisher Scott. Arilla Fisher died in Center Twp, Williams Co, OH on 13 Mar 1946 at the age of 90 and was buried in the Fountain Grove Cemetery.

 

One might think this was the end of the story, BUT there’s more. From multiple old newspapers one learns the rest of this story:

In April 1886 Mitchell, South Dakota – George G Cowhick has had 16 years of experience in being a merchant of paints, oils, glass, and wall paper.  In April 1889 same location George becomes the Republican chairman of the East Side Caucus.  

1886 he married Rebecca Ann Canon, the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Littler Canon; later Rebecca studied and became a doctor

15 Sept 1886 – a son is born

1889 he purchased land in Buffalo Co, SD

13 Nov 1896. His three month old son Harry dies of malarial fever

24 Dec 1897 his daughter Marie is in grammar school

Oct 1890 they move to Missouri

In Jan 1899 Mrs DR Cowhick will go to Kansas City to study at the homeopathic physicians college and later to study osteopathy; she will take her two little daughter to Chicago where she’ll leave them in the safety of her aunt

Sept 1900 she is in Kansas City, MO for more college training and her daughter Marie will start high school there

1902 – he moved from Mitchell, SD to Kansas City, MO where his wife is a doctor

By 1910 George and Rebecca are living apart again

Jan 1910 his 17 year old daughter Marion/Marie eloped with Walter Walker of dental school.  Dr George Cowhick did not approve of this as she was too young and Walter was too “rah rah” with rolled up trousers and goofy hat

24 Sept 1915 he is a doctor in Forgan, OK, supposedly receiving a license in 1901

 

Doctor Rebecca Cowhick in 1918 went to Los Angeles, CA to help stamp out the first cases of influenza; she just set up a practice in Utah.  She died on 21 December 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah of ptomaine poisoning and was buried in Mt Oliver Cemetery there.  Dr Rebecca was the mother of five children: Marie Walker, Oscar, Emogene, Hazel, Harry C.

 

“Doctor” George Cowhick died in Kansas City, MO and was buried in Mt Moriah Cemetery in 1926.  How he made the transition from house painter and paper hanger to physician is unknown but he did own a pharmacy with his son son, Oscar. He lived in Forgan, OK from 1912-1915  where he was routinely sued for delinquent taxes.

 

 

Man and Woman Marry Each Other (Multiple Times) - John C Crisman and Pauline Bodenburg Crisman

There Are Two Surprises to This Tale

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Buffalo Evening News (Buffalo, NY), Thursday, 28 December 1899, p8 c4

Weds the Same Woman Thrice

And Now John Crisman Seeks a Third Divorce From Her For Desertion

John Crisman, a horse dealer of this city, has married the same woman three times.  Crisman was first married to Pauline Bodenbaugh [Bodenburg] at Bryan, OH, 30 years ago.  Five years later he obtained a divorce on the grounds of abandonment.  He came to Oklahoma from Chicago in 1889.  His former wife followed him and they were married again.  A year later a second divorce was obtained by Crisman on the grounds of abandonment, and Crisman came to this city.  His wife followed him again, and old troubles were buried for a third time and Crisman and wife were married.  One year ago Mrs. Crisman left her husband’s home and today her husband filed a third divorce suit.  Crisman is a Grand Army man and has a son fighting in the United States Army in the Philippines – Perry, O> T> special to Chicago Inter Ocean.

The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, OH), Wednesday, 20 December 1899, p2 c4

Third Divorce

From the Same Woman Is Sought By an Ohio Citizen

Special Dispatch to the Enquirer

Perry, OK, T., December 12 – John Crisman, formerly of Bryan, Williams County, Ohio, filed his third suit for divorce from his wife, Pauline Crisman.  They have been married three times and now Crisman seeks a third divorce.  The first marriage was in Bryan, OH, where the first divorce was obtained.  The second marriage and divorce were at Guthrie, OK. T and the third marriage took place here, and now Crisman is seeking his third divorce.  He alleges abandonment.  Crisman is a prominent GAR man, and runs a livery stable here.

The timeline from the first article is

1869 they married in Bryan – she would only be 11 years old – not likely

1874 they divorced in Bryan on grounds of abandonment

1889 he came from Chicago to Oklahoma

1889-1890 she follows him, they marry, then divorce

1890ish – he moves to Perry OK, she follows him, they marry

1898 she leaves him

1899 he files for a third divorce

The timeline from the second article is

First marriage and divorce in Bryan

2^nd marriage and divorce in Guthrie, Logan Co, OK

3^rd marriage and divorce in Perry, Noble Co, OK

Both state that John Crisman is a horse dealer and runs a livery stable.

Here is what records tell one about the couple:

John Conklin Crisman (10 December 1845, Hartford, Licking Co, OH – 10 September 1936, Bryan, Williams Co, OH); buried in Fountain Grove Cem, Bryan, Wms Co, OH; s/o Ambrose C Crisman and Elizabeth N Page; Bryan Democrat, 14 September 1936 p1 c3 – he died at home in Stryker, OH, CW vet, 4 children

Pauline Hatty Bodenburg (16 June 1858, Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH – 4 February 1928, Wms Co, OH); buried in Leggett Cem, Edon, Florence Twp, Wms Co, OH; d/o William Bodenburg and Elizabeth Marie Prophet; her parents married in Germany and came to USA c1852; Bryan Democrat, 10 February 1928, p8 c5 – known as Mrs Crisman, died at home of daughter, Mrs Dora Faulhaber

The couple had four children

1.       Dora Armina (b 3 Sept 1877, Nebraska – 17 Oct 1948, Angola, IN); mar1 Zigler, m2 Daniel Faulhaber, m3 Johnson; Leader Enterprise, 28 October 1948, p4 c4 – she was born in Nebraska then moved with her parents to Defiance Co, OH

2.       Ambrose Birtus (17 Feb 1880, Phelps Co, NE – 11 July 1963, Henry Co, MO); mar1 Elizabeth, m2 Josephine Packhelser

3.       Ola – mar Kinser

4.       John Henry (14 June 1894, Perry, Noble Co, OK – 26 Feb 1988, Burlington, Coffey Co, KS); mar Hazel

M1 – 20 May 1876, Bryan, Wms Co, OH (Marriages V4 p462)

Surprise #1

Pauline Bodenburg  Crisman v John C Crisman

Pauline claimed that on 13 April 1892 John was guilty of extreme cruelty at the residence of his father where they lived.  He carried on a terrible assault, choking and beating her causing blood to flow from her nostrils and putting her in fear for her life.  On the day following she returned to the residence and she was driven away whereby John refused to live with her.  He had 20 acres of land valued at $1,000.  Pauline wanted a divorce, reasonable alimony, and restoration of her maiden name.  They have three children, but there was no mention in the divorce papers about Pauline wanting sole custody or any remarks referring to these children.  The court found John guilty of extreme cruelty and ordered him to pay Pauline $300 in alimony, setting a payment schedule and placing a lien on his property if he did not pay her. 

Divorced June 1892, Wms Co, OH

M2 – Guthrie, Logan Co, OK – no info

Divorced – no info

M3 – Perry, Noble Co, OK – 23 March 1894

Divorced – c1899 – only newspaper info

Surprise #2

M4 – Watonga, Blaine Co, OK – 18 August 1905; their daughter Dora and their son John Henry were witnesses

Living apart between 1916-1920 in Wms Co, OH

She died in 1928; he died in 1936; both were buried in different cemeteries in Wms Co, OH

Additional Sources

1850 Hartford, Licking Co, OH – John 4 OH w/parents

1860 Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH – john C 11 OH w/parents

1860 Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH – Rosalie 3 OH w/parents

1870 Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH – Polina 13 OH w/parents

1870 Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH – John 22 OH with sister Josephine Bowlby

1880 Williamsburg, Phelps Co, NE- John 33 OH/Pauline 23 OH/Dora 4 NE/ Ambrose born Feb 1880, all living next door to his brother James

23 April 1892-June 1892 – Civil and Criminal Court (Common Pleas) of Wms Co, OH – Box 173 Case #3034

1900 Purcell, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory – John 54 married but no wife listed/Ola/ John

1910 Center, Mayes Co, OK – John 64 OH/Pauline 51 OH/ grandson John Jr 15

1916 Farm Journal Directory – John and Pauline residence is Edon, OH, farm

1920 Concord, Elkhart Co, IN – John 74 OH, widower, retired farmer

1920 Florence Twp, Wms Co, OH – Pauline 60 OH married, living on her own

1928 Bryan City Directory – John living on Walnut St, Bryan, soldier

1930 Bryan, Wms Co, OH – Walnut St – John 84 OH boarder of Emerson Strayer, no occup

Emma Bice Shear Case v Loren E Case, Divorce 1901

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Bryan Democrat, 4 July 1901

Emma Case v Loren Case; action for divorce; petition filed 27 June 1901 on grounds of extreme cruelty and gross neglect of duty.

Loren E Case, son of Job B Case and Estella Smith married Emma J Shear, daughter of David Bice and Rilla Snowden on 5 April 1900 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V8 p134)

Loren was 37 on 8 Sept 1899; he was married once before.  She was born and a resident of Shiawassee, MI where he was a carpenter.

The Bride:

Emma J Shear was 21 on 8 Dec 1899; she was previously married and divorced to Shear.  She lived in Pioneer, OH.

1880 Springfield, Allen, Indiana; Roll: 264; Family History Film: 1254264; Page: 229C; Enumeration District: 104; Image: 0280.

h/h 182/183 Bice, David 35 OH-CT-NY farmer

Rilla wife 20 IN-CT-NY

Emma dau 5M – Dec IN-OH-IN

Rilla Snowden Bice died in Allen Co, IN on 30 May 1882; David Bice was married three times:

1. Mahalia Donat, 13 Nov 1864, Paulding Co, OH

2. Rilla Snowden, c1879 IN

3. Amy Wallace, 10 Jan 1883, Allen Co, IN; divorced 13 Oct 1890

David Bice died on 11 Sept 1898 in Allen Co, IN

1900 Madison, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1332; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 0107; FHL microfilm: 1241332.

h/h 288/288 Shear, Emma 20 (Oct 1879) OH-OH-OH servant, widow, 1/1 ch

Living with Charles Evers, a widower with 2 sons

Emma married Loren E Case, 5 April 1900 and divorced him cJuly 1901

Emma Shear married Charles Evers, 30 April 1902 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V8 p359); he 39 farmer; she’s 25 divorced once (married once); he’s been married twice before; he’s the son of William Evers and Catherine Gorrell; she’s daughter of David Bice and Rilla Snowden; both residents of Pioneer, OH; note her name is Emma Sheer

Charles Evers died 3 Dec 1939 in Pioneer, OH and was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, OH; married to Emma Evers; find-a-grave says he was married to Ellie Amy Utter, Hannah Anderson Lambright, and Emma Anderson Sheer.

Emma Evers died on 4 June 1971 and was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, OH; she has a daughter Etta Ruth Shear who married a Cousine and lived in Florida??

Leader Enterprise (Montpelier, OH), 7 June 1971 p2 – obit of Emma J Evers

Bryan Times (Bryan, OH), 4 June 1971 p3 – daughter Ruth Lawter of Miami, FL and one granddaughter

The Groom:

Loren E Case (28 Nov 1862 MI – 4 July 1914, Laingsburg, Sciota Twp, Shiawassee Co, MI)

s/o Job B Case of NY and Ester Stella Smith of NY; carpenter, widower

He was married three times:

1. Lena Hickey, 6 June 1886, Swartz Creek, Genesee Co, MI; she died 24 May 1898, Durand, Shiawassee Co, MI; 5 children

2. Emma J Bice Shear, 5 April 1900, Williams Co, OH; divorced cJuly 1901

3. Sarah Hotalling bet 1901-1903; 2 children

1870 Chesaning, Saginaw, Michigan; Roll: M593_701; Page: 108A; Image: 224; Family History Library Film: 552200.

Case, Loren 7 MI living with parents Job and Estella and brother Leon.

1880 Victor, Clinton, Michigan; Roll: 577; Family History Film: 1254577; Page: 507B; Enumeration District: 056; Image: 0196.

Case, Loren E 17 MI living with parents and brother

1900 Sciota, Shiawassee, Michigan; Roll: 744; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 0096; FHL microfilm: 1240744.

Loren’s children are living with his parents, Job and Estella Case and his brother leon

1910 Hagar, Berrien, Michigan; Roll: T624_638; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 0074; FHL microfilm: 1374651.

h/h 234/236 Case, Loran 50 MI-NY-MI mar 2x mar 11Y

Sadie wife 47 mar 2x 1/1ch along with children

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Kemp and Davis

Lavinna W. Parrish Kemp v John R. Kemp

William M. Davis v Mary Manda Chapman Davis

Married Doctor Hiding Property, Two Divorce Actions in Williams County, Ohio, 1868-69

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 30 May 2012)

One reads about physicians today who are accused of 'hanky panky" with their patients.  This is certainly not a new circumstance as evidenced by this genealogical detailing from the Wms Co, OH Civil and Criminal Court records (Journal 7 p174 - 8 May 1868; p183 – 19 May 1868; Roll 19 case number 84 – May 1868).

Dr. John Kemp, native of England,  (1822 - aft 1870) married Lavinna W. Parrish (1821 NY - bef 13 Apr 1872) on 26/30 Nov 1844 in Steuben Co, IN.  John R (Roper?) Kemp was the son of John and Mary Jane Roper Kemp.  The Kemps migrated from England to the US c1829 and spent a period of time in Hume, Allegany Co, NY. According to the 1850 Washington Twp, Henry Co, OH federal census p14A the Kemps were enumerated as John R 28 Eng plastering mason, Lavinna W 29 Canada, John B Ultly 50 PA carpenter, and Isaac Bowman 23 NY carpenter and joiner.

It is not currently known how and where John R Kemp received his medical training but the first record for Dr. Kemp in Williams Co is a newspaper article in the fall of 1852 mentioning John was an E flat cornet player in the original Bryan Band.  No one knows how well his musical abilities were but practicing with the band would have afforded him several nights away from his wife.  The 1860 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census, p37, enumerated the Kemps as John R. 38 EN physician, Lavina 39 Canada East, and Leonard 13 IN.  Kemp's office was located at 121 W. Butler St. in Bryan.

With regard to "son" Leonard Kemp, it appears that Leonard is really Leonora (7 Apr 1847, Angola, Steuben Co, IN - 2 Sept 1916 pos Perry, Dallas Co, IA), wife of Thomas Gilbert.  She was absent in the 1850 census but appeared in the 1860 census.  From probate mentioned below, Leonora was an adopted daughter.

On 27 Apr 1868 Lavina petitioned the court for a divorce stating that at diverse times from 1 July 1863 in his office her husband committed adultery with  "sundry women unknown to Lavinia."  On 24 June 1866 and 24 Sept 1866 Dr. Kemp committed adultery with Mrs. Amanda Davis and from this liaison he became a father of a male child born on 24 Mar 1867.  Almost a year later on 11 Mar 1868 Kemp left his home with Amanda and the child and eloped for parts unknown.  He took a wagon, one cow, books, furniture, and account books plus other provisions and headed to the state of Kansas leaving Lavina with nothing.  She also sued lawyer Samuel A. Treat whom she stated was in collusion with Kemp to hide property.  Dr. Kemp owned 10 acres of land (NE 1/4 NE 1/4 Sec 21 T6N 3E) and Lot #121 in Bryan.  She wanted a reasonable alimony and the real estate.

Lavina called the following witnesses who all attested to her charges: John B. Shouf, Alfred Plummer, David A. Wolf, and Dr. QH Graser (all local businessmen).  A legal notice of this suit was published in the "Bryan Union Press", Apr 1868.  The divorce was granted and Lavina did receive John's real estate.  Thanks to Hal Kemp (a descendant of John R Kemp's brother, George W Kemp) a new marriage record has come to light showing that John R Kemp married Clarissa Mary West on 2 Oct 1870 in Miller Co, MO; whatever happened to the doctor from this point is not currently known.  From the Bryan Democrat, 6 Oct 1870, p3, “Arm Broken: while descending a flight of stairs at the residence of A M Pratt (attorney) on Tuesday, Mrs. Dr. Kemp slipped and in the fall dislocated her wrist and broke her arm.”

By the 1870 federal census for Bryan, p34, Lavina W. Parrish, restored to her maiden name, was listed as 49 NY housekeeper living with Ann Moore 24 Baden, a domestic servant.  Williams Co, OH Probate (#1500) filed on 13 Apr 1872 showed an estate for Lavina, who had written a will on 6 Jan 1871 in which she left the house and buildings to an adopted daughter Leanora Gilbert, wife of Thomas Gilbert.  Lavina's sister, Mary F. Norse of Steuben Co, IN, received $100 to be paid one year after Lavina's death.  The First Regular Baptist Church of Bryan was also to receive $100 to be given two years after her death.

The 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census showed Thomas Gilbert 25 OH and his wife Lenora 23 IN; she was Lavina’s adopted daughter. The 1880 York, Steuben Co, IN federal census showed a Mary A. Norse 56 NY divorced with son Loyd 18, niece Lora 19, and mother Elizabeth Stockman 79 US.  If this was Lavina’s sister, the mother Elizabeth Stockman could also be the mother of Lavina.

The other woman, Amanda Davis, was born Mary Manda Chapman.  She had married William M. Davis in Paulding, OH, on 25 May 1862 (Marriages, V2 p23).  William filed a divorce action in Wms Co on 16 Oct 1869 according to court records (Journal 7 - Nov 1869, and Roll 21 case number 40).  Davis stated that on 24 July 1867 Amanda committed adultery with John R. Kemp and that she left this state for Kansas with Kemp.  William did not mention Amanda having a child with Dr. Kemp.  Under old miscellaneous probate, which contained divorce cases for Defiance Co, OH (Defiance Co, OH Records Center) there was a case of William E. Davis v Amanda M. Davis (case number 265, undated index).

The 1850 Harrison Twp, Paulding Co, OH federal census p176B showed a Mary A. Chapman, age 5, as the daughter of Timothy and Sarah Ann Barnard Chapman.  From the 1860 Harrison Twp, Paulding Co, OH federal census p98 Amanda 15 OH lived with her uncle Miles Chapman due to the death of her mother Sarah; her father Timothy had married twice more and presumably the next wives did not want Amanda in the household. Chapman online sites claim Timothy was the nephew of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed.

One does wonder why William Davis waited almost 1 1/2 years after Lavina Kemp received her divorce before he filed for one of his own.  Maybe he thought he and his errant wife would reconcile or maybe he found someone else.  There is always the possibility that Amanda separated from John Kemp since he married again in 1870 and did reunite with her husband or the following is not the Amanda Davis mentioned in the divorce proceedings above. The rest is a possibility but not a certainty; more research needs to be done.

According to the 1870 Ridge Twp, Van Wert Co, OH federal census p370A the Davis household was listed as William 37 Wales, Amanda 25 OH, Elizabeth A 3 OH and a teacher, Charles S. Crosby; in the 1880 Washington Twp, Van Wert Co, OH federal census p425 William M. Davis 43 Wales-Wales-Wales was enumerated with his wife, Amanda 35 OH-OH-OH, and their son Henry 11 OH-OH-OH.  From the 1900 Washinfton Twp, Van Wert Co, OH federal census p8A the Davis household was listed as William M farmer 67Y June 1837 married 33Y (1867) Wales, wife Amanda 55Y May 1845 OH mother of 1 deceased child, two servants, and an Addison niece and nephew, Auratta 16 OH and Harry 10 KS, noted as servant and farm laborer, respectively.  Wiliam immigrated to the US in 1841.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Culbertson (Samuel), 1852

Mary Smith Culbertson/Culberson v Samuel Culbertson/Culberson  (Journal 4 p192 - Apr 1852; Roll 8 Box 25 case number 6 - Apr/7 May 1852)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 3 December 2021)

 

This couple may have been married in Holmes Co, OH on 20 May 1846 but the marriage was  also recorded as 20 May 1848, Wms Co (Marriage V2 p101); the heading was State of Ohio which was a little different than the marriages above it in the volume.  I wondered why there is a two year gap, but I have no explanation for that.  Mary told the court that she lived in Center Twp.  According to the 1850 Center Twp federal census there was a Mary Smith, 21 NY, daughter of William and Sarah Smith, but no Mary Culbertson.  Mary stated that on 15 Sept 1848 Samuel left her and went back to Holmes Co, leaving her with no support and no goods.  Supposedly he went home to dispose of his personal property.  They did not have children.  His real estate was valued at $1600 plus he owned wagons and other property.  She produced witnesses, Jesse Fisher and William Ingram, to corroborate her facts. Mary wanted a reasonable alimony.  A legal notice appeared in the newspaper, Equal Rights.

I searched the 1850 Williams Co, OH Federal Census and found witness William Ingram and his wife Catherine in the 1850 St Joseph Twp area.  There were two Jesse Fishers living in the Williams Center, Center Twp area as Jesse the older at 1788 – 7 March 1872 buried in Williams Center and Jesse the younger at 1832-1913 buried in Farmer Cem, Defiance Co, OH.  The interesting thing to note is that Jesse younger was born in Holmes Co, OH so there may be some connection to Mary Smith Culberson from there.

 

According to the Appearance Docket, Clerk of Courts, 1846-1852, the divorce action of Mary Culberson v Samuel Culberson (note spelling) was settled with a divorce for the plaintiff in Sept 1852. According to the Issue Docket, Clerk of Courts, 1848-1852, in April 1852 Term Mary's divorce petition was filed on 17 Jan 1852. Mary received a divorce and $700 in yearly equal installments.  

In the 1850 Salt Creek Twp, Holmes Co, OH federal census p237, a Culbertson family was listed as Alexander 70 PA, Margaret 68 PA, and Samuel 35 PA plus nearby Culbertson families of Andrew 38 PA and John 43 PA. This is Alexander Culbertson and wife Margaret Sloan whose son Samuel was born c1815 PA.  Nothing more has been found regarding either party in this divorce.

 

.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Crawford (Samuel), 1886

Clara Elizabeth Simmons Crawford v Samuel T. Crawford

 

I Was a Fool For Ever Getting Married; Divorce in Wms Co, OH, 1886

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 29 October 2021)

 

He told his wife on 17 Aug 1883 that he was a “d***d fool and unable to support a wife.”  He advised her to go home and live with her father.  She could not live with him and she would not receive any support.  Such was the life of the young bride in Wms Co, OH.

 

Samuel Crawford, born on 28 January 1858 in Bryan, was the son of Matthias and Sarah A. Meek Crawford, who were married in Wms Co on 3 Apr 1855 (Marriage V2 p154).  The family was enumerated in the 1860 Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census p65, as Nathan Crawford 27 PA carpenter, Sarah A 22 OH, Clara 4 OH, Samuel 2 OH, and an unnamed female 1/12 OH.  Note Mathias was listed as Nathan.

 

The Crawford family was listed in the 1870 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p57 as M. Crawford 38 PA, Sarah A 31 OH, Clara 14 OH, Samuel 12 OH, Cecelia 10 OH, Wilis 8 OH, Milla 6 OH, Alta 4/12 OH.  Matt Crawford became a building partner of John Parcher and together they helped to construct the South School in Bryan in 1880.  In the 1880 Bryan Federal Census Samuel was enumerated as Samuel Crawford 22 OH carpenter.

 

On 1 Jan 1883 in Bryan, Wms Co, OH Samuel Crawford married Clara E. Simmons (Marriages V4 p277); Rev. Thomas Doggett officiated.  Clara, b 13 Aug 1864, Delta, Fulton Co, OH, was the daughter of Nicholas and Julia Ketchum Simmons.  In the 1870 Delta, Fulton Co, OH federal census p211, the Simmons family was listed as NH 38 NY egg packer, Julia 30 OH, Clara 6 OH, Leon 4 OH, and Arthur 1 OH.  Again the family was listed in the 1880 Delta, York Twp, Fulton Co federal census p205, as Nicholas Simmons 43 NY produce dealer, Julia A 40 NY, Clara 15 OH, Leon E 13 OH, and Julia C 8 OH.  

 

Clara appeared in the Williams Co, OH Civil and Criminal Court (Journal 13 p499 – 4 June 1886; Roll 43 Box 144 case number 1631 – 19 Apr 1886) requesting a divorce from Samuel on the basis of gross neglect of duty.  She stated that Samuel was cross and violent in his words to her and made the statements that introduced this piece.  Samuel was living in San Francisco, CA at the time of the divorce.  A notice appeared in the Bryan Press, 1 June 1886, informing Samuel and any creditors of Clara’s intent to divorce him and be restored to her maiden name of Simmons.  A divorce was granted.

Bryan Democrat, 26 Apr 1888

In San Francisco on 22 Apr at residence of bride, Samuel T. Crawford of Bryan married Miss Effie DePuy of San Francisco. Nothing is currently known of this marriage or the bride.

 

Clara married Clement V. Lash on 12 Nov 1892 in Wms Co (Marriages V5 #810).  Clem, the son of James and Julia Davis Lash, was born in Florence Twp on 15 Nov 1863.  Clara Simmons Crawford Lash died on 15 Aug 1899 in Edon, OH and was buried in the cemetery there.  Clem next married Mary Isora Toner, daughter of John Milton and Elnora Matthews Toner, on 21 Sept 1901.  Clem and Mary Lash were buried next to Clara upon their deaths on 20 Oct 1929 and 14 Apr 1968, respectively.  Clara although married twice did not have any known children.  

 

Samuel Crawford died on 4 May 1934 In Defiance at the Defiance County Home where he lived according to the 1930 Federal Census as Samuel 72 OH inmate/carpenter, widower.  He was buried beside his parents and sister Clara in the Bryan Fountain Grove Cem, but there is no existing tombstone to mark his death.

 

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Crawford (Frank), 1878 and 1880

Frank C. Crawford v Alice Holmes Crawford (Journal 9 p420 - 8 Mar 1878; Journal 10 p402 - 13 Mar 1880)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 25 October 2021

 

The couple applied for a marriage license in Huron Co, OH on 15 August 1876, but no return was listed. Frank brought the divorce action in 1878 but the case was dismissed.  He refiled later stating that Alice had been absent for three years or more.  The couple had at least one child, M. Blanche Crawford.

 

Alice Holmes, born 17 January 1856 in Wyandot Co, OH, was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Vail Holmes.  She was enumerated with her parents in the 1860 Pitt, Wyandot Co, OH and 1870 Blooming Grove, Richland Co, OH Federal Census Records as Alice 4 OH and Alice 13 OH, respectively.  By the 1880 Maple Grove, Barry Co, MI Federal Census she was Alice Crawford 22 OH married with her daughter Mertie 3 OH, residing with her father.  On 13 October 1880 in Barry Co, MI she married John McIntosh (1850-1908).  Alice died in Hastings, Barry Co, MI on 7 March 1942 and was buried in the Barryvile Cemetery there.

 

Frank Crawford, born December 1856 in Ohio, was the son of John and Susan Bauer Crawford.  He was enumerated with his parents in both the 1870 Cass Twp, Richland Co, OH and 1880 Gorham Twp, Fulton Co, OH Federal Census Records as Franklin 13 OH and Frank 23 OH single.  He married Matilda Jane Saunders (1864-1929) in Waldron, Hillsdale Co, MI on 11 September 1880. They lived in NW Twp, Williams Co, OH and were listed in the 1900 and 1910 Federal Census Records there.  Frank and Matilda had five known children – Elgin (m), Blanche, Alta, Dale, and Mabel V.  Frank and Alice’s daughter, Myrtle Blanche, born 1878 in West Unity, married a Mr Wilson.  Frank Crawford died on 24 February 1925 in Williams Co, OH and was buried in the West Franklin Cemetery, Fulton Co, OH.

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Connery

William W. Connery v Harriet/Hattie A. Shetters Connery (Journal 12 p304 - 24 June 1884; Roll 40 Box 133 case number 1278 - 4 Mar 1884)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 22 October 2021)

 

The couple was married on 20 Nov 1881 in Medina, Lenawee Co, MI.  William told the court that Harriet had falsely represented herself as virtuous and physically competent to marry.  He said she was not chaste or virtuous and that she was at the time of the marriage pregnant by another man.  He will not cohabit with her and wanted a divorce.  The Bryan Democrat, 23 Apr 1884, published his notice for a divorce, which was later granted.

 

William Connery was born c1841 in MI, the son of Henry and Amy Whitlock Connery of the Hudson, Lenawee Co, MI area.  William was listed in the 1850 Hudson Federal Census as William 9 MI with parents.  In the 1870 Medina, Lenawee Co, MI Federal Census William is living with his mother and stepfather, Wallace Humphrey as William 26 NY.  He married Clara Farst on 15 September 1872 in South Wright, Hillsdale Co, MI and they were enumerated in 1880 Medina, Lenawee Co, MI as William 37, Clara 35 with kids Frank 15 and Bernice 2; Frank was probably Clara’s son.  Clara died in 1880.  After William’s divorce from Hattie he married Della Wheeler on 23 December 1890 in Kalamazoo, MI and by the 1900 Pine Grove, Van Buren Co, MI Federal Census he was William 59 MI.William died in 1903 and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsdale Co, MI; note his birth year on his stone states 1836.

 

Harriet A Shetters, born June 1858 NY, was the daughter of David and Caroline Shetters.  She was listed with her parents in the 1870 Fayette, Hillsdale Co, MI Federal Census as Hattie 10 NY.  At the time of her marriage to William she was 20 and he was 38.  After the divorce Hattie married Sylvester Myers on 15 May 1884 in Decatur, Van Buren Co, MI.  They were listed in the Decatur, Van Buren Co, MI Federal Census and on 3 June 1902 she filed a divorce complaint against Sylvester, stating she had four children; however, that filing was canceled.  Sylvester died in 1909 and Hattie later married Alexander Height.  Hattie died on 30 December 1938 and was buried in Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur.

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Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Combs, 1865

John C. Combs v Emma Lewis Combs (Journal 6 p513 - 1 Nov 1865)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 10 November 2021)

 

The couple was married on 16/18 Mar 1861, Jefferson Twp, Wms Co, OH (Marriage V3 p164).  In the 1860 Brady Twp federal census, p149b, John Combs, native of Knox Co, OH, born 1833, was listed as 27 OH residing with his parents, George W and Eleanor Murphy Combs. The Combs family were members of the Quaker faith.  Emma, born 12 February 1841 in Williams Co, OH, was the daughter of Calvin and Sophia Trux Lewis, early settlers in the county as of 1840. Emily was enumerated with her parents in the 1850 Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH Federal Census as Emily 8 OH along with parents Alvin 49 PA, Sophia 36 PA, and siblings Charles 15 OH, Almina 10 OH, Samantha 5 OH, and Jane 4 OH. 

 

John charged that Emma, who lived in Waterloo, IN, committed adultery with John Shull and other men on 9 and 18 Aug 1864 at their home in Jefferson Twp. She had been residing in Waterloo for at least six weeks. Charles Lewis, brother of Emma, came to court and said his sister was lying prostrate at home with an illness; they lived in DeKalb Co, IN. Charles also told the court that his sister needed $50.  The couple had a three-year old child named Emory Combs, born on February 9, 1861 in Williams County, OH. A divorce was granted.  

 

John married Laura A Maynard on 31 May 1869 in Geneva, Van Buren Co, MI.  Laura (27 March 1833 Allen Co, IN – 21 March 1933, South Haven, Van Buren Co, MI) was the daughter of Ruell and Eliza Maynard. In the 1870 Geneva, Van Buren Co, MI Federal Census listed John Combs 36 OH and wife Laura 25 IN plus son Emory 8 OH. The couple is enumerated again in 1880 federal census (the same place) as John 46 OH, Laura 35 IN plus children Elinor 5 and Elias 8/12.  John died c1896-97 in Missouri.

 

Emma Lewis married Andrew Jewell on 17 November 1866 in DeKalb Co, IN.  Andrew was a CW veteran, providing service between 1861-1863 in Co I 19^th Ohio Infantry, born in 1838, Columbiana Co, OH; they were enumerated in the 1870 and 1880 federal census for Hastings, Barry Co, MI. Her son, Emory Combs,  married Alcenia Dodge in 1896 and lived in Shelby, Oceania Co, MI.  Emma died on 22 January 1916 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Barry Co, MI; Andrew died on 27 January 1918.

 

 

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Clodfelter, 1885

Phebe Sheets Clodfelter v Thomas S Clodfelter

 

A Bryan Brickmaker Who Left Town for the Wild Hills of South Dakota – Divorce in Williams County, OH, 1885

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 31 October 2021)

 

A common question that people ask is why would their ancestor who had a well-established niche in a community such as Bryan suddenly sell property and move out west?  Many answers might fit the bill but often descendants never think of divorce or separation as a factor in such a decision to relocate.  This genealogical detailing takes an honorably discharged Civil War officer down such a path.

 

Thomas S. Clodfelter, a native of Green Twp, Washington Co, PA, was born 14 June 1827.  Although his parents’ names are unknown, his obituary (Bryan Democrat, 18 June 1891, p5) tells that when he was seven, his family moved to Rowsburg, Wayne Co, OH in 1834 where his father, a native of Switzerland, eventually died on 27 Apr 1847 leaving Thomas, his mother (pos Martha of New Jersey), and his three sisters to continue life on the old homestead.

 

On 13 Jan 1852, Samuel Moody, VDM, performed the marriage ceremony uniting Thomas with Pheobe Sheets in Ashland Co, OH.  Pheobe or Phebe was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Woolf) Sheets who were natives of Frederick, Maryland and Columbiana Co, OH, respectively.  Prior to this ceremony, Samuel Sheets signed a parental consent form on 10 Jan 1852 allowing this union to move forward as his daughter was “of age” (Lee & Kopp, Ashland Co, OH Marriages, V2 #1228); she was born in Congress, Wayne Co, OH on 16 May 1834.  Phebe’s parents were married in Columbiana Co, OH on 23 May 1820. The 1860 Perry Twp, Ashland Co, OH federal census, p226 enumerated the young Clodfelter family as residents there.

 

Thomas joined the Co H 168^th Ohio Regiment and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  At the close of the war Thomas moved his family to Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH; he first purchased the Kimmel farm and shortly after that bought the JQ Beattie farm.  The 1870 Pulaski Twp census p18 (print) listed the Clodfelters as Thomas 42 PA, Phebe 36 OH, William 17 OH, Martin 15 OH, John 11 OH, Laura 10 OH, Miletus 8 OH, Mary 6 OH, and Samuel 5 OH.  The 1874 Wms Co Atlas listed Thomas as the owner of land in Sections 9 & 10 of Pulaski Twp plus as Thomas Clodfelter and Son, manufacturers of building brick, 2 miles NE of Bryan.  As time progressed the Clodfelter home developed into a spacious ten room brick home with a nearby brickyard.

 

Thomas and Phebe Clodfelter were the parents of the following eight children: (1) William T, a hog and cattle merchant, b. Dec 1852, OH; d. June 1923, Bryan with burial at Shiffler Cem; m 25 Dec 1873, Clarissa Wyland, V4 p314; (2) Henry Martin, a traveling salesman, b. Nov 1854, OH; d. Aug 1922, Bryan with burial at Shiffler Cem; m 10 Nov 1885, Hannah May Heacock, V5 #742; (3) John C, a brick mason, b. 1858, OH; d. Aug 1920, pos Miller, SD; (4) Laura Ellen Ann, b 10 May 1860, Ashland Co, OH; d. 26 Mar 1936, pos Letcher, Sanborn Co, SD; m. 8 Apr 1877, Jacob C. Eitel, V4 p515; (5) Hulbert Miletus “Lee”, a shipping clerk, b. May 1862, OH; d. 1943, pos Bryan; m. 13 July 1883, Ada Elizabeth Severence, V5 #365; (6) Mary V. b. 18 Nov 1863, OH; d. 24 Jul 1953, pos Montpelier or Blakeslee with burial in Shiffler Cem; m 11 Jan 1891, Charles Binckley, V6 #372; (7) Phillip Samuel, b Feb 1865, OH; d. Sept 1930, pos Bryan with burial at Fountain Grove Cem; m1 Orpha K. Teeple; m2 Minnie C; (8) young male infant.  All marriage data was taken from records in Williams Co, OH.

 

One again finds Thomas, Phebe, and 5 of their children in the 1880 Pulaski Twp census p620 A.  According to the Williams County Civil and Criminal Court Records Roll 37 (#972) of 17 Jan 1882 and Journal 11 p20 of 20 March 1882, Phebe asked the court for a temporary injunction against her husband’s “wasting his income” and both his earnings and those she had received as an allowance from her father in his lifetime and an outright $2,000 inheritance from her father’s estate when he died 2 Sept 1872 in Montgomery Twp, Ashland Co, OH, and her mother’s estate upon her death in Perry Twp, Ashland Co, OH on 9 Nov 1878.

 

Phebe charged that in June 1877 and again in April 1881 Thomas was extremely cruel and threatened her with physical harm with an axe.  For the last seven years he “was in the habit of getting intoxicated” and recently she had contracted a social disease from him that prompted her to take this action.  She requested a divorce and reasonable alimony.  The court decided to dismiss these charges and no divorce was granted then.

 

In March of 1883 Thomas sold his property to Franklin Elder and moved to South Dakota, purchasing a farm near Letcher, Sanborn Co.  His mother died in Ashland Co on 26 Aug 1889.  Whether he traveled back for the funeral is unknown.  Journal 13 of Civil and Criminal Court Records states that on 26 Mar 1885 Phebe again applied for a divorce and this time was granted one.  She cited Thomas with extreme cruelty.  

 

Thomas remained in Letcher where on 2 June 1891 he died of dropsy at the age of 64 years (Bryan Democrat, 18 June 1891, p5 obituary).  He was described in his obit as a generous-hearted and kind neighbor.  The death notice stated that a wife and seven children survived him.  Note that daughter Laura Eitel and her family moved to Letcher after 1883 and before 1887.  Another obit in the Mitchell Capital (Mitchell, SD), 12 June 1891 p4 c2 stated he was a CW veteran, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel in the 168^th Ohio Infantry.  He died at the home of his son John who lived in Davison Co, SD and his remains were taken to his home farm for burial in Letcher.  His only relatives were son JC and daughter Mrs. Eitel.

 

The “widow” Phebe lived in Bryan according to the 1900 Bryan, Pulaski Twp federal census p185 B at her son Samuel’s home at 348 Center St. She was born in Congress, Wayne Co, OH on 16 May 1834 and she died at son Samuel’s home on North Walnut St in Bryan on 17 May 1911, a day after celebrating her birthday, marking her age as 77Y 1D.  According to her obit (Bryan Democrat, 23 May 1911, p4) 2 daughters, 5 sons, 21 grandchildren, and 6 gr-grandchildren plus a host of friends survived her.  She was buried at Shiffler Cemetery after a funeral conducted by Rev. Alvin E. Bell.  There is no mention in her obit as whether she had traveled to SD with her husband bet. 1883 and 1885.  Phebe’s estate was probated here on 25 Mar 1911 (#5510) and her letters of administration listed the names and geographical locations of the children.

 

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Clinger

Sarah Beattie/Batey/Beatty Clinger v James Clinger (Journal 9 p143 - 18 June 1877; Roll 28 case number 78 - 1877)

 

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 25 September 2021)

 

The couple was married on 3 Feb 1864, Wms Co (Marriage V3 p350; Sarah told the court the date was 25 Feb 1861.  Sarah, born 18 Feb/Mar 1845, Lancaster Co, PA, was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah Diffenderfer Beattie/Batey/Beatty.  James Board Clinger, b 26 May 1838, Westmoreland Co, PA, was the son of George and Jane Mooreland Clinger of West Unity, OH.  James was a Civil War soldier, serving in Co C 38^th OVI.  According to the 1860 West Unity, Brady Twp federal census, p142b, the Clinger family was enumerated as George 58 PA insane, Jane 54 PA, James 22 PA, George 19 OH, Philip 17 OH, and Mary 14 OH.  Sometime in June/July 1866 James and Sarah became the parents of daughter Ada M, who later died on 25 Jan 1867 @7M 22D and was buried in the West Jefferson Cem. By the 1870 Bryan federal census, p17, the Clinger family was enumerated as James 31 OH, Sarah 24 PA, Charles 2 OH, Martin 2/12 OH.

 

Sarah told the court that they had four children: Charles Washington (8), William Harmon (5), James V (3), and Samuel Marion (1).  James had taken the three elder children away from her.  He told her he would kill her and several times he dragged her by her heels out of bed and was extremely cruel.  The case was dismissed.

 

James applied for a Civil War Pension on 30 June 1880 as an invalid. James and Sarah had four more children, George, b 4 Apr/May 1885, Bryan (Birth V2 p69), Nora Coblentz, and Burton.  A daughter Maudy B. died on 10 Oct 1881 @3Y 1D and was buried beside sister Ada in West Jefferson Cem. An interesting story was found in the obituary of son Samuel Marion Clinger ("The Bryan Democrat", 5 Mar 1942), which told that Samuel, Will, and Burton Clinger were part of a brother acrobatic act.  They traveled with the Clinger Acrobatic Troupe and M K  Houlton Brothers Circus. Houlton, based in DeKalb Co, IN, had a circus hay day in the early 1890’s with the four Clinger Brothers participating in 1891-1893.  They did trapeze work, horizontal bars, rings, ladders, and other acrobatic tricks.

 

James Clinger died on 8 Feb 1899 in Bryan and was buried in the Bryan Fountain Grove Cemetery with a CW marker. Sarah applied for a Civil War Widow benefit on 27 March 1899.  From the 1900 Bryan, Ward 1, Pulaski Twp federal census p154, the widow was enumerated as Sarah Clinger, born Mar 1835 (55) PA, with eight children, six living, and sons, Samuel, born July 1877 (23) OH a widower, and George born May 1884 (16) OH, with sons William and Charles plus their families living nearby. Sarah died on 14 Dec 1906 in the Toledo State Hospital, Lucas Co, OH.  She had been confined there on 16 Nov 1903 (Wms Co, OH Probate #4506).  She was buried beside her husband in Fountain Grove Cem, but no tombstone exists to mark the location.

Divorce Action in Williams County, Ohio - Hannah Tidball Cline v William Cline

Hannah Tidball Cline v William Cline (Roll 7 Box 22 case number 4 - Nov 1848) - see Nathan J Davis

By Pamela Pattison Lash (updated 21 January 2014) - new tidbits obtained from the Civil War Pension documents

The record did not provide a marriage date or place for this couple.  The marriage was performed by J Pierce in Perrysburg, Wood Co, OH on 26 February 1842.  According to the 1850 Brady Twp, Wms Co federal census, p4B, the wife was enumerated as Hannah Cline 21 PA, Sarah 6 OH, and James 5 OH. with no husband listed.  Hannah charged that William refused to provide for her and the two children, Sarah Jane and James K. Polk Cline.  William assaulted her, was immoral, profane, and tyrannical.  He committed adultery with Carolyn Fitch and was lodged with her at the time of the initial filing of this case (possibly in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH).  Hannah wanted custody of the children, reasonable alimony, and her possessions.  The divorce was granted.  In the above mentioned census record Hannah's neighbors were Delan Rockwell and his wife Hannah plus 6-year-old Orlando Fitch.  Whether they were part of this situation is not known. In the 1860 West Unity, Brady Twp federal census, p139b, son James Cline 15 OH dry goods clerk lived with Serayne Prince 61 PA dry goods merchant.

By the time of Hannah’s petition for pension on the basis of son James K Polk Cline’s Civil War service, she stated that her former husband, William P Cline, was far away from this jurisidiction, living in California and that he claimed to be married and had two children.  Her son, James, worked and gave her half his earnings before he joined the army.  After his death she had to rent out her home in West Unity and was reduced to taking in washing.  In 1870 she lived in Portland, Ionia Co, MI, with her daughter Sarah and son-in-law Nathan Davis. She was granted a pension on the basis of her son’s service and received a monthly pension until her death.

Hannah Tindall Cline’s obit was found in the Bryan Democrat, 12 May 1904, p6: Hannah was born near New Castle, Lawrence Co, PA on 22 Oct 1823 and died at home of her granddaughter, Mrs RM Rice, on 28 Apr 1904.  As a youngster she moved to Huron Co and later to Richland Co, OH where she married William Cline and then in 1840-1841 they moved to West Unity, Williams Co, OH.  Note that the marriage took place in Wood Co, OH in 1842 so the data in the obit is not correct. They had two children, Sarah M who died in 1871 and James K Polk Cline who was CW vet of 38th OVI; James died in the war of typhoid fever..  Mrs. Cline moved with her daughter (Sarah) to Bryan in 1862.

Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan, p89

Clark, Rebecca P Tindall 1825-1897

Cline, Hannah Tindall 1823-1904

James P 1844-1861 Co C 38^th OVI

Davis, Sarah M Cline Russell 1842-1871

Russell, Clara E 1860-1944

Roswell A 1860-1948

Franklin P Russell married Sary M Cline in Lenawee Co, MI on 1 Jan 1860

Roswell Alvaro Russell, son of Frank Russell and Sarah Cline; born 20 Nov 1860 West Unity, Williams Co, OH; died 16 Apr 1943 Williams Co, OH

1910 Roswell is in Pulaski Twp w/wife Clara 49 OH-OH-OH

1920 Roswell is in Wms Co w/wife Clara; he’s 59 OH-OH-OH

On 12 Feb 1868 at South Wright, Hillsdale Co, MI Nathan J Davis married Sarah M Russell, a resident of Bryan, OH but born in West Unity, Williams Co, OH; she was 23 OH and Nathan, a mechanic, was 30, born and resident of Columbiana Co, OH.  Their witnesses were Mathew and Sarah Doty of Williams Co, OH; the JP was Gideon S Emerson.

1870 Portland, Ionia, Michigan; Roll: M593_676; Page: 658B; Image: 652; Family History Library Film: 552175.

h/h 220/228 Davis, Nathan J 35 OH shoemaker

Sarah 27 OH

Roswell 9 OH

Ida M 1 MI

Cline, Hannah 48 lives with her daughter PA

Sarah (according to her mother’s obit – see below) died in 1871.

Sarah is found in 1850 Brady, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M432_741; Page: 4B; Image: 14.

h/h Cline, Hannah 25 PA

Sarah 4 OH

James 5 OH

1880 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1078; Family History Film: 1255078; Page: 639A; Enumeration District: 012; Image: 0139.

h/h 178/198 Davis, N A 36 OH-OH-OH widower, shoemaker

Ida dau 10 MI-OH-OH

Note – he’s living next door to Hanna Cline 57 OH-OH-PA divorced with boarders – this appears to be the mother of Sarah, his late wife

Ida Davis married Rufus M Rice, 17 Nov 1898 in Williams Co, OH