Petition #21485224

Abstract

Margaret R. Demoss asks the court for a divorce from her abusive husband and for the return of her slaves and land. Demoss married Silas D. Demoss when she was sixteen years old "against the advice and without the consent of her mother." Though the petitioner has shown her husband "love, devotion and confidence ... the only return they have met, almost from the day of their marriage has been cold neglect, violent abuse, and absolute tyranny." Silas is "much addicted to intoxication and gambling, and keeping low and lewd company," including prostitutes. She further accuses him of being abusive, once nearly choking her to death. She now finds it to be "unsafe and improper for her longer to cohabit with him, or to be under his domination, or control." Demoss also informs the court that she is the owner of several slaves and multiple plots of land. The lands are in the possession of her uncle, Dennis Dozier, and her legal guardian, Thomas Shearon. The two men have been collecting money on the lands for her benefit; however, Demoss’s husband has won judgment against Dozier and Shearon and the profits are now in his hands. Demoss prays for a divorce from her husband and that her inherited property "be decreed to her for alimony."

Result: Granted; appealed; affirmed.

13 people are documented within petition 21485224

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Citation information

Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee

Subjects