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Divorce in the 1850's in the United States

Divorce in the 1850's in the United States

Posted: 3 Jan 2015 10:57PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 28 Jan 2015 2:44PM GMT
Surnames: Hathaway,, Staples,
I am wondering if any one knows about divorce records in the 1850's. My relative Absolom Hathaway went to prison for 10 years after trying to poison his family and friends. He entered prison in 1850 for 10 years and came out a poor destitute man who went to live with his sister. Absolom's wife Mary remarried Pierce Stalpes in 1855 and the marriage cert list both of them has being married before. I am trying to locate the divorce papers The divorce had to of happen some time from 1850 to 1855. The Hathaways are a large old family in Massachusetts who would have the means and connections to obtain a divorce. Where can I find divorce papers? Is that something that I would have to get from the local archives?

Thanks!

Re: Divorce in the 1850's in the United States

Posted: 13 Jan 2015 11:10PM GMT
Classification: Query
I would start with the county in which they divorced. Divorce records were normally held by the local clerk of courts. You may have to try more than one county. The county historical society may be able to help too.

Re: Divorce in the 1850's in the United States

Posted: 14 Jan 2015 3:06AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Hathaway,Simons, Staples,
I figured that I would have to go to the courts. I had the hardest time finding the court documents for the trial and luckily found a women in the historical records of the superior court that was nice enough to find the papers for me. The local historical society is also very helpful unfortunately I live 3000 miles away from it. Next time I am back East I will have to make a trip to the historical society .

Thanks!
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