Case ID: mass_73/html/0279-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Bigelow, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Rebecca M. Hews vs. Reuben Hews.
    A divorce from the bond of matrimony may be decreed, under the St. of 1838, c. 126, for wilful desertion for five years, although the guilty party has been in the house of correction during the greater part of the five years, under successive sentences, beginning a few months after the desertion, and with very short intervals between the terms of imprisonment.
   Bigelow, J.

The only question in this case is, whether a divorce from the bond of matrimony can be granted for desertion for the term of five years consecutively, under St. 1838, c. 126, when it appears that during a part of the five years the guilty party has been several times committed under sentence to the house of correction, the first commitment having been a few months after the first desertion, and there having been very short intervals afterwards between the terms of his imprisonment.

O. B. Farnsworth, for the libellant.

No question is made in this case as to the desertion having been entire during the five years. We think it was also wilful. This is shown by the proof that it commenced before the defendant was imprisoned, and that during the intervals between his several commitments to the house of correction he neither returned to the society of his wife or contributed anything to her maintenance or support. Divorce granted.