The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-16
BLOOD, Woodruff, CHAPLIN.
The Great Scandal ut Essex
Market.
Astonishing Revelations by Old Mrs Clafin-
Blood Threatened Her Life-The Daugh-
ters' testimony His Denial OF the
Violation of Domestic Laws.

Violation OF Domestic Laws.
The preliminary examination in the matter OF the
complaint OF Mrs. Annie Claim VS.. Colonel ], Ii.
Blood, alias DR.. Harvey, begun at Essex Market
Police Court yesterday afternoon. The notorety OF
the parties involved render this an exceptional
case the complainant being the maternal progenl-
tor and the defendant being the silent or ''slcepn.
partner Of the renowned banking house OF
Woodruff Claim Co. in Broad street, and
attracted a large concourse OF spectators TO the
otherwise unnyitng precincts OF the Essex street
Temple OF Justice The testimony or the respective
parties to this curious strife was listened to with
eager avidity and each salient point quickly seized
by the sensation-mongers. Mrs. Victoria Woodruff
being in the conclaye for the presidency, could
spare time from her greIt social and political duties
to m,ngle In the inglorious struggle between
the less lights OF the concern. she was
conspicuous by her absence, as also her
maiden sister, Tennessee Celeste. Both sides were
represented by counscl but, contrary 10 the usual
proceedings, no dilatory motions were made nor
any desire evlnced to protracJ the ISSUE As with
the fierce Old English barons VINO figured in the
''Wars OF the ROses' 1t seemed TO be understood
that quarter would not ne asked or given, ana In
response to the summons or the magistrate pc
cullar old lady, OF determined men and expression
indicative OF unrelentng purpose,
ANNOUNCED HERSELF TIE 'AGRIEvED PARITY
and, being duly sworn, proceeded relate the story
OF her wrongs ana domestic trlnuatons. Tue ami
davit OF the lady, upon which the proceedings
based, was substantially to the effect that the
defendant had not only, by divers wicked and magic
arts and Devices alienated the affections OF her
charming, gifted and otherwise promising and
devoted offspring, but had also threatened The life
OF herself and thereby caused her much unneces-
sary dread anguish OF mind and other discomfort
This the strong arm or the law alone could remove
and enable her to resume the tranquility desirable
TO one or her advanced stage or life. She was
desperately In earnest ana counsel on both sides
vanly endeavored to restrict her within the bounds
tie law prescribed Bursting through all barriers
she gave the following as
HER STORY.
"Judge." she said, "My daughters were good
daughters and afcctionac children till they got III
with this man "Boodn giving particular emphasis
to Blood.) "ile has threatened my life several times,
house In Thrty-elghth street and said he would
not 60 TO bed Till lie had
WASHED MS HANDS IN NY BLOOD
I'll tell you what tnat man Blood is. He Is one or
those who have no bottom In their pockets; you
can keep stutiing in all the money In New York
send this man away. rs ! always told them, they
might be mltionaresses and riding around In their
my daughter out OF this mans clutches he has
| taken away Niccys lection and Jennies lection
/ from poor Ou mother.
SHELF NE GOD JUDGE,
say here and call Heaven to witness that there
was the worst gang OF free lovers in that house In
lanao and DR.. woodruff and lots more OF such
trash"
Counsel for paintir-"Keep quiet. old lady"
Mrs. Claim, petuently-"ies, yes; III keep
quiet; but want to tell the Judge what these peo-
pie are.
WAS AFRAID OF MY LIFE
all the time was in the house; It was nothing but
mo npp
the DAUGHIER'S STATEMENT.
Mrs. Mary spar was the next witness She sub
she remembered the night that Blood was violent
with her mother; that Victoria her sister, tried to
noise, as If they were quarrelng IN their room.
MR.. BLOoD'S STATEMENT.
MI Blood then gave ms evidence. lie denied the
his motnerIn-law, but that sho was very ANNOYING
ut times and wanted 10 interfere with the business
OF the 1rni.
"Did you never make any threat to Mrs.
CaninSn
very troublesome, SAID If she was not my mother
in-law would turn her over my knee ana spank
herr
Counsel-"would you really do thatsr
No answer.
Counsel-"whcn were you married to Mrs Wood
Bood-"In 1856, at Chicago
Counsel-"Were you married before that to any
Biood-"Yes, l was married in birmingham,
Mass"
Counsel-"Were you divorced from your first
wife.f'
BloOd-"Yes.n
Counsel-"was Mrs. Woodruff divorced when
you married herY'
Bloud-"I don't Know
Counsel-"Were you not afterwards divorced
from Mrs. Woodhullr'
Bood-''Yes: In Chicago in 1861"
Counsel-"How long were you separated from
herfr
Blood-s'We were never separated; we continued
to live together. and were afterwards remarred.r
Counsel-"Wnen have you seen DR.. Woodhullyr
Bood-"I see him every day; we are living in the
same house,
Counsel-.Do you and Mrs. woodruff and Dr.
Woodruff occupy the same roomr'
No answer.
Counsel for defendant-"Now, Mr.. Blood, please
tell the Court why Dr. Woodruff lives In the same
house, and who supports him.
BloOd-"Tne firm Of Woodruff Ciafln h Co. has
supported the whole Of them Mrs. Woodhull's first
CHI Ill is dotic and Dr. woodruff takes care Of him. y
The examination was continued Tor some time
further
Mrs. Victoria woodruff and Miss Tennic G. Claim
are 10 be examined to-day.