The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1880-05-06
A FAITHLEss WIFE.
The ScandaIOus Story Told In Cross Bill for
Divorce

| DlfOTCb
Some rather sensational and scandal
GUS developments were made in cross
bill for divorce fled in the Circuit Court
by William H. Hopkins, former resi-.
dent of this city, against his wife Anna,
now residing here. His wife filed a bill
for divorce some time ago charging him
with desertion, and default was enter,
ed last week. The husband declared
that he first earned of this legal pro.
ceeding few days ago, and at once en-
tered this counter proceeding for di
vorCe from his wife.
1t is shown that Hopkins was married
to the defendant in the cross bill in
April, 1865 and that they continued to
live together until July 3Oth, 1873
Three children are now living as the
fruit of the marriage, aged respectfully
I3, II and 10 years. In January, 1878
Mrs. Hopkins became acquainted with
John W. Norris, then engaged in the
safe business on State street, in this city,
and who at that time lived in the West
division, and in close proximity to the
Hopkins residence. 1t is charged that
Mrs. Hopkins, Notwithstanding the fact
that she professed Christianity, and was
actively engaged in church work, became
infatuated with Norris and to such an
extent that she made appointments with
him and visited several notorious houses
during the month of July Of that year in
his company. These facts becoming
known to Hopkins, he quietly left the
city and embarked in business in Viii
mington in this State. he was first pre-
vented from having the custody of his
children owing to the in,erpOsitiOn of
his wife and accordingly went away
without them, not caring to make known
10 the world the shame which had fallen
on his house Shorty afterward, the
mother, by the advice, as it is cIamedot
Norris, sent the three children to him,
H was at that time broken in fortune,
and assumes that the guilty wife. and her
paramour contemplated that in proyid'
ing for the support of the children he
would find his time 30 occupied as to
prevent any active interference on his
part with her newly acquired relations.
The bill shows that at this time Nor
ris had wife living, who was con.
firmed invalid Mrs. Hopkins, it is
claimed, lapsed into degraded state,
and.oftentimes became intoxicated and |
while In this condition on one occasion |
she indicted and posted letter to Mrs
Norris, informing the latter that she in.
tended shortly to wear her diamonds
Mrs Norris died in July, 1879, as tits |
claimed, of a broken heart. The com
plainant, Hopkins, finding it impossible
to earn livelihood, either in Whining
ton or Chicago, owing to his marital
troubles, removed to New York, taking
with him his two youngest children. He
was compelled to place his youngest in
a school in Lowell Mass, under charge
of a minister of the gospel. In the fall
of 1879 Mrs. Hopkins, accompanied by
Norris, visited Lowell and gained con.
troll of this child. During this Juruey it
is related that Norris occupied the same
berth on the steamer with Mrs. Hop
kins, and that they travelled together
generally, assuming the outward relation
Of man and wife. 1t is finally Contended |
in the bill that Norris has supported |
Mrs. Hopkins ever since his first init.
mate Acquaintance with her in July, 1878, |
and that shortly after the death of his |
wife he fitted up house at No. $50 |
Chicago avenue, whtr1 be is at present
living with her. The complainant &C.
cordingly asks that he be granted de.
cree for divorce and that the custody of
his three children be vested in him.
Chicago Times,
TJohn w. Norris was connected with |
the Safe Works in this city, and for some
time the firm was Debold, Norris & Co,
Mr.. Norris was resident of Canton for
some time.-ED.