The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-05-02
Correspondence Of the New York Tribune.
THE GREAT DIVORCE CASE IN CHI
CAGO.

| Correspondence Of the New York Tribune.
THE GREAT DIVORCE CASE IN CHI
CAGO.
Chicago, April Il, 1860
Notwithstanding all the rumors and state.
ments in the Eastern papers to the contra
ry, the Burch divorce case is speedily to
be pressed to q trial, and viii probably be
decided within the course of the next fort
night. The high social and political stand.
ing of the parties in this suit, and their re-
latives and friends, as well as that of the
individuals who will not be implicated du-
ring Its trial have caused much more atten-
tion and interest to be excited concerning
the case than are usually given to suits for
divorce. As you are aware, the plaintiff
in this suit, Isaac II Rurch, esq, is one of
the most wealthy and prominent citizens
of Chicago. He is the owner of the bank
known as the bank of l. II Burch 4 Co,
which is looked upon as one Of the sound
est institutions in the State, possessed of a
very considerable capital aud doing an ex-
tensive and lucrative business.
Mr.. Burch for many years has occupied
prominent position in one Of the most
--;s.o"-ot;" churches in the city, that Of
which the Rev. DIR. Pattersu,, Is the pas.
tor, and is known and beloved all over the
city for his constant acts of benevolence
and Christian charity. As banker the
reputation Of Mr.. Burch is unsullied, and
his bank has outridden in safety all the pan
les and reverses which have proved to much
for the standing Of many of our monied in
stitutions. His residence is a beautiful
mansion On Michigan avenue, and for many
years past he has devoted largo sums Of
money to the work of filling his house with
articles of beauty and taste, and in making
bis home the seat of refined and elegant en-
joyments.
On the 18th of May. 1S4s, Mr.. Burch
married. in Albany, New York, young
accomplished, and handsome lady. the
daughter, by adoption, of Erastus Corning
esq There have been but few unions
which promised so much happiness as this !;
but there have been few which have been
productive of so much misery. RemOv-
ing with his young wife to this city, Mr.
Burch entered upon that career of industry
and integrity which has won for him SO
high position in this community. His
wife became equally favorite with him
self, and by her unassuming manners, her
devotion to her household duties, and her
general affability and kindness of heart,
seemed to merit the popularity which she
speedily attained Two children were born
to this coupe-AIary w Burch, named
for her mother, and now about IL years Of
age, and Harriet Corning Burch, an infant
of one year and eight months.
/ There resides in this city prominent
lawyer and politician, named David Stuart.
MIR. Stuart was originally from Michigan, of
which State he was once Congressman.
For several years past he has held an At
torneyship for two Of the railroads running
out Of this city, and is beside, in the enjoy.
ment of large and lucrative criminal and
civil practice, particularly in the Recorders
Court of Chicago before which tribunal be
was famed for his success in defending
; criminals Mr. Stuart is married, and has
large family of children He has always
sustained the character of a gallant and a
rake, and more than one family in Chicago
is said to lay at bis door the ruin of its do.
mestic peace At some period prior tc
October, 1861, Mr. Stuart became an init.
mate acquaintance and visitor at the resi-
! dence of Mr. Burch, and as will be seen
by the bill which is copied below, is accused
of having on the 18th day of the month
named, succeeded in seducing Mrs Burch
and committing adultery with her. The
. connection thus formed continued until the
18th of January last, when Mr.. Burch dis
, covered that his honor had been sacrificed
and that his wife had proved false to heI
marriage vow.
/ The intelligence of this deplorable affail
: fell like thunderbolt in this community
and the steps which have been subsequent
: ly taken have no, served to allay in tht
. least the excitement first produced. Mrs
! Burch, Immediately after her husband has
: discovered her fall, left Chicago for the
: home Of her adopted father in Albany
! where she has since remained. She ap
: pears to have impressed her friends there
with the belief that she was more sinneC
: against than shining, and Mr.. Corning an
t nounced his intention Of resisting TO the ut
most all efforts which the husband nigh
C make to obtain divorce, and it is under
J., stood that it is due to his exertions that
e decree of divorce has not already been OBJ
;. tanned. The mos. extraordinary statement
r in relation to Mr.. Burch have from tim
e to time appeared in the Eastern papers
= and have served TO give distorted appear
: ance to transactions which. when viewe'
# in their proper light. only reflect honor an
:, credit upon MIR. b.
}. 1t was stated, with an entire absence c
: truth, that Mr. Burch had extorted b
,, threats and intimida,ions. and By promise
G of pardon made only to be broken. a cor
b fesson of guilt from his wife; that he ha
i. then driven her ANONYMOUSLY from he
5. home, and had since occupied himself
lie picking her name from bis household liner
g and obliterating it from his family plat
N Again, it was announced that Mr.. Burc