In 1836, Dorcas Lacy married Samuel S. Eakin. During the next several years the couple had five children. To assist them, Dorcas's father gave the couple two slaves, a "negro woman & a negro girl." While she remained a dutiful wife and mother, her husband turned increasingly to drink. During the latter part of 1848 and early 1849, Samuel remained "habitually drunk, and repeatedly beat her in a cruel, and inhuman manner, both with his fist, and with sticks, switches, and brush; and frequently threatened to take her life." He also attempted to humiliate her by forcing her to wear men's clothing and ride through the neighborhood. Furthermore, Dorcas contends, his dissolute habits resulted in the loss of their property. Dorcas fled to the house of her father, and files suit for divorce and custody of her children.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Sumter County Courthouse, Livingston, Alabama
