The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-29
JOHN l.. SULLIVAN'S WIFE.
She Tells Her Story in Open Court-The
Slugger on Hand at His Best.

BOSTON, May 28.-The long-expected trial Of
the divorce suit of Annie Sullivan VS.. John L.
Sullivan, the champion slugger, for ''cruel and
abusive treatment, and gross and confirmed
habits of intoxication," was begun in the Su-
preme Court yesterday. John l.. was on hand
and it may be said, without reserve, that the
idolized hero of the ring never looked better in
his life. He has allowed his mustache to grow
and also his hair He wore silk-faced Prince
Albert coat, closely buttoned up and light
trousers with modest check. He had his top
coat on his arm, and carried his new glossy silk
tile in his hand.
The libellant is tall and stately brunette of
majestic proportions. She wore close-ftting
black dress Though large woman, Mrs. Sui
livan is very attractive The interest in the
case brought great crowd into the court room.
Mr.. Sullivan assumed don't care expression,
and stared straight in front of him, only occa-
sionally glancing at the gentle Annie. The libel
liant said
Il was married to John L. Sullivan May l.,
1883, at Roxbury., His habits were good before
the marriage, and for six months afterward,
when ne began to drink badly, and became in
toxicated very frequently. He would be brought
home drunk and had to undress and take care
of him many a time This state of things con-
tinued up to the time | left him. The first time
he abused me was while travelling in the West.
He kicked me and threw things at me for
no cause. AT Leadville he drank hard and drove
me out of the hotel with pitcher. left him in
December, 1884: For year previous to that he
was drunk nearly all the time, and would come
and abuse me frequently. At Natick last sum-
mer he struck me with his fist in the face and
knocked me senseless. October rs he came in
sober and was very cross. He struck me with
an umbrella; from that time until left him his
was ha /
change in my health after marriage and have
been under the doctors care since left
Mr.. Sullivan. knew Mr.. Sullivan about six
months before we were married; lived in New
with woman named Ida Pierce, and don't
know any such woman. Mr.. Stickney, hack
driver, introduced me to Mr.. Sullivan"
did you live with Mr.. Sullivan as his wife
prior to your marriage with hlm!' asked Mr.
Barry.
Mrs. Sullivan looked appealingy at her coun-
sci, who promptly objected.
81 think" said the judge, lit is competent to
show the relations of the parties before marriage
if the testimony comes from other sources, but
ton unless she wishes to do So"
Mr.. Barry repeated the question After paus-
ing some time, during which the bushes chased
each other across her pale cheek s, Mrs. Sullivan
don't remember whether or not went on tour
before we were married" continued the witness.
On cross examination Mrs. Sullivan related in
detail the alleged assaults made upon her.
Sullivan testified he had never been drunk,
though often full" He swore he had never
struck his wife, and that the latter was in the
habit of drinking whenever he did She left him
on Dec. 6, 1884, and he had never seen her since
till he met her in court. When asked if he ever
had any trouble about her relatives, he made
the following reply, which raised general
laugh, and even caused the judge to smile sew
eral times: II had no objection to supporting two
or three of her relatives, but did not care about
supporting the whole of Rhode Island"
This afternoon the testimony was closed.
The Judge reserved his decision.