The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-06-24
FORCED INTO A MARRIAGE,
Then Escaping from her Husband
by Making n Journey on Foot I'm 6
Snow storm.


Snow storm.
New York SUM-
Justice Gilbert in Brooklyn has en-
tered an order annulling the marriage of
Julia Stei.z to William Steitz, on the
ground that the plaintiffs consent to the
union was obtained by force. Some
time ago the defendant, William Steitz,
obtained decree of absolute divorce
from Julia Steitz on the ground of inf
deity; but Mrs. Steitz was at the time
in Europe. On her return she proved
that the divorce had been obtained by
perjured testimony, and that she had
never seen the witnesses who testified
against her, and had never been in places
described by them. The same referee,
Alexander Cameron, who had reported
in favor of William Steitz, on re-exam-
ination of the facts, discovered the
fraud, and on his recommendation JUS
tice Gilbert set aside the decree of di-
vorce. In the meantime William Steitz
had married again and had children.
Mrs. Steitz began suit to set aside her
marriage.
Before Referee Forbes she testified that
in November, 1869, she came to this
country from village in Bavaria where
she was born, and where her father had
shortly before died, to visit Jacob Cob
ring, an uncle, who lived near Hudson
City, New York. She was then seven
teen years old. On the day after her ar
rival she was introduced to VIM. Steitz,
who at once declared that he loved her,
and asked her uncle for her hand in
marriage. Her uncle consented, and
when the plaintiff objected he said that
she was poor girl and had no choice in
the matter. Sieitz came repeatedly to
see her, and she insisted that she would
not wed him. Then he threatened to
shoot her and shoot himself if she would
not consent. He grew furious, and SEEM
ed SO earnest in his threats that at length,
while laboring under great excitement
and fearing harm, she consented. On
December 9th, 1869, she was taken by
her cousin, Charles Gohring, and VIM.
Steitz, in wagon, distance of seven
miles, to the house of minister in Hud-
son City, and there the ceremony was
performed.
General Sutter spoke fuently French,
Spanish, Italian, German and English.
He was of medium height, rather stoutly
built, wore usually side whiskers and
imperial, that were silvery white when
he died, and his manner was kindly and
courteous. When he visited San Fran
cisco his hand ached with the shakes
given it by the scores whom he had be-
friended on their perilous trip across the
plains.
When the Mexican war ended, the
Guadalupe-Hidalgo treaty was made,
and, as provided by the treaty commits
sions, were appointed to report to the
two Governments on the claims to land
given formerly in California by the Mex
ican Government. Gen. Suffers claim
for his rancho was favorably reported on.
But about that time, in February, 184S,
gold was discovered in mill race lead
ing to one of Gen. Suffers saw mills.
His rancho was at once overrun by gold
seekers. His laborers deserted him and
dug for gold.
She was hunted out of this place, and
was sent by her benefactress to Mrs.
Palmer, another sister, at Mount Upton,
Chenango County. She next became an
inmate of the Rev. Mr.. Crawford's house
hold at Cazenovia. Finally, to escape
her husband. she accepted position Of
governess in family about to 60 abroad,
| and went with them to Eurone ranain
ing abroad several years.
Peter Cook, her lawyer, testified that
the defendant said in his presence that
he became infatuated with the plaintiff
the moment he saw her, and that he told
her if she did not marry him he would
shoot her and himself, and that he meant
it. After his wife left him he became
more calm, and was content to live apart.
The defendant interposed no testimony.