The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-26
QUARREL ABOUT A CHILD.
Sidney W. Coan Procures Restraining Order
Against His Former Wife.

Just about year ago Sidney W. Coan, book
keeper, had his family affairs brought into court
by divorce suit Judge Walker, before whom.
the case came, rather reluctantly granted de-
cree, because he thought the man and wife if
lett alone by people of Coan's imme-
date family, would be reconciled AS
there was not much promise of this inter
ference ceasing, he let the decree go
upon the record, but in it no account was
taken of the child Walter, who has proved a dis
turbing quantity and caused reappearar, "a IF
the father and mother in the courts. evbi,e the
divorce suit was penang Jorge S. Darlington,
VINO al the 'line las dealing in tinware on
Nassachuse us avenue obtained the consent of
She mother of the child, Ora A Coan, to adopt
him This was done by Darlington through
legal formality, he agreeing that the mother
should visit the child whenever she wished,
and that he should always recognize
her maternal interest. Yesterday
sad run of incidents was made in this connection
10 Judge Howe upon a petition of the father
asking for restraining order against the mother
to the effect that she must not claim, interfere
with or visit her son, vino is only three years of
age
Coan in his petition, after setting forth the
facts Of divorce said that on his application,
July 7. the decree of adoption was SET aside and
the child given into his custody He stated that
the mother Ora A. Coan, was not fitted
Co care for the child, that she had no
means except what came from her daily labor,
and that when she had the child she treated him
inhnmany and paid no attention to his wants.
He charged that on the 18th of July she at
tempted to carry away his son from the resi-
dence of petitioners mother. For these reasons
kn from further llterter
ing with his claim to the child.
Mrs. Coan met this petition with an affidavit
giving her side Of the story she said
in 1884 she obtained divorce from Sidney
w. Coan on account of cruel treatment.
and then gave an account of Darlington adopt
ing Walter After Darlington got possession of
the child, he violated every particular OF the
agreement by which her consent to his adopting
him was obtained. She charged that on frequent
visits to Carrington's heuse, she refused
aamittance, and on several occasions, when she
did. enter the house she was not allowed to see
her son. In March, 1885, the Carrlngtons moved
to Chicago, taking the child with them, but
within few weeks Walter was sent back to his
father who, with Carrington's consent procured
notification of the decree of adoption. She
often went to Coan after that for permission to
visit Walter, but this he at first refused.
Afterward he releEted 80 far as to allow her to
see the child in the morning, but at this time
she was.always busy at service as housekeeper
Coan would permit her to see the boy at no other
time. She stated that on the evening of July Is,
she, in company with Mrs Baker, of Cherry street,
was her way to the East Market when they
passed Coan'S house, No Ais North East street.
In the yard were seated Coans mother aunt and
child. The child saw his mother, recognized
her, and ran to meet her. When Mrs. Coan
took him in her arms the grandmother and aunt
ran TO Them the former snatching the boy out
of her arms while the latter assaulted her. Mrs.
Coan said she had her skirt torn from her. and
was otherwise abused. The following Monday
she again applied to the father to see the child,
but to this he paid attention. except by fling
his petition for the reclamng order
Accompanying these papers afidavits OF
Mrs. Helen Davis, mother of Coan, and his
aunt, Mrs. Lizzie Lively The first named said
that Saturday evening July IL. Mrs. Coan and
Mrs. Baker were passing the house when the
former called the child, saying, Earring, Earl
ing, come to your mamma" The little fellow
ran to her, and before they realized what had
occurred, Mrs. Coan had him in her arms and
Fastening down the street Mrs Davis said
that the child was screaming, and that she and
her sister, Mrs Lively ran to rescue him. She
took him from Mrs. Coan, who assaulted
Mrs. Lively, pushing her to the sidewalk
twice, saying you dirty old hog" Mrs. Lively's
affidavit was of similar tenor, but she said that
when Mrs. Coan picked up the boy she cried:
am let you know the child is mine and [ am
and you can't have him." Both stated that the
Walter.
Judge Howe granted restraining order
against the mothers interference with the child
or visiting until September 8, when further hear
ing will be had