Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-09-22
A BATCH OF LETTERS
Produced by an Abused Wife Who
Asks q Divorce.
THEY TELL THEIR OWN SAD STORY.
Why the Wife Of an Allegheny Dentist Asks
for Relief
A BROTHERS HAND RAISED IN THE CASE

The testimony in sensational divorce suit
was filed yesterday in Common Pleas Court
! No. l. The case attracts unusual attention
because Of the high standing of the parties
involved. DR.. j. Patterson Scott, the dem
tist, of 174 Lacock street, Allegheny, is the
respondent. His wife, Fannie R Scott, by
her next friend, w. H. Hewitt, made ap-
plication for divorce December 10, 1891,
alleging non-support and cruelty.
Elliott Rodgers, Esq, was appointed to
take testimony, and the first hearing was
held on May 8, 1892 Charles A. Robb,
represented the petitioner, but the respond
ent neither put in an appearance himself
nor was he represented by counsel.
Alleges Great Abuse.
only witness examined. She said: "Mr
Scott and were married on September q,
1873, but he has never supported me as he
should have done. In two weeks from the
time we were married he came home intoxi-
Gated and abused me. He really never pro-
vided for me; his father and my grandfather
helped to keep me. We have three
children, aged respectively II, IA and IL
years. have been supporting myself and
family for three years. Mr.. Scott has
abused me and used profane language to me
for the past ten to fifteen years. He has
called me vile names before visitors and has
beaten me on several occasions. A year ago
my health broke down and 1 was under the
doctors treatment. During that sickness he
kicked me out. of bed and my neck was
drawn to one side. NY children have often
been sent to school without anything to eat.
Once, about two years after we were mar
ried, he struck me and knocked me across
the room, where lay for time senseless.
1 was sick at the time. He drew a razor on
me about 10 years ago and said he wodld
take my life, but an old coachman we
had knocked the razor out of his hand.
An Ugly Charge Made.
'The respondent insisted upon bringing
Frances Rush to live in our house. When we
lived on Lacock street, Allegheny, there was
a disorderly house next door. Mr.. Scott
visited it. Oncesa woman living there came
into my house and said nv husband in
tended to bring some men and women there
and was to play the piano tor them. He
frequently brought men into our home and
compelled me to get out of bed to play the
piano for them
The witness closed her testimony by iden-
tifying letters written to the respondent
by woman, supposedly the wife of we'll
known citizen of Allegheny. The letters
are appended. They are five in number.
The first one is not dated, but the envelope
in which it is supposed to have been mailed
is postmarked "Allegheny, April 1, 1892"
1t is as follows:
Some Good Advice.
DEAREST FRIEND 1 called yesterday, but
you were not at home. think you had bet
ter brace up. For my sake do not take
another drink. 1t panied me greatly to see
you on the street, when the car near ran
over you as yon came out of the saloon. Are
you not ashamed? would let people know
that could be man. Now, my dear friend,
| wish to see you before go. Monday
never get well if you continue so? l will not
scold you, but will talk sense, and when 1
come back will make you call every day,
and then you will nor have time to drink. l |
will be down Saturday morning and you
must see me. don't care how you are; and |
If you don't, will never see you again so |
long as live. You do not care for me, as 1 |
know all, and yet am willing to see you |
again. Yours, lovingly, ULIE.
Ready to Make Sacrifice.
Note No. was inclosed in an envelope |
which bore no stamp, and was evidently de- |
livered by messenger. 1t was not dated. |
1t read
DEAREsr-I do not see how 1 can get Off to |
go with you. as promised ma would go to |
see her in the morning and stay all day, but |
if you want me TO disappoint her l can |
do so.
The next letter referred to a tea gown
which, it is said DR.. Scott had agreed to
buy his friend, in which she got her photos
taken for him in a gallery on Federal
street. 1t read:
DEAREST FRIEND-When you called 1 was
indeed very sorry L was not at home.
started to Greensburg Friday morning. The
Mr.. was home for dinner. 1 believe my SER
want in ormed you of that fact. You just
know we women are very weak, ana guess |
L possess more than the general of my class, |
love, pretty things belonging to my sex.
Pink is a favorite color of mine. My bust is
"a inches; "a from neck to floor; but cannot
think of you doing such a thing.
The next still refers to the photos, one of
which is said to have graced the showcase
in front of the photographer on Federal
street for several months. 1t reads:
Bad Day for Photographs.
This is such a disagreeable day 1 don't
think it fit to have photos taken, but if you
think it will make no difference come up