The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-11-09

Queer Condition of the Hammond and
Terrell Families.

Special TO the indianapolis Journal.
kOkOMO. Ind. Nov. s.-The
Terrell habeas corpus case filed here
Wednesday developed an interesting story.
Ten years g John L. and Miss
Lucy Adams, of Sullivan, were married.
After a year the couple separated, the
young wife and infant daughter going to
Wichita. Kan, to reside. Later, Mrs. Ham,
mond. hearing that her husband had OBJ
tanned a divorce and remarked. was welded
to o. o. Terrell, a barber in Wichita. The
report that Hammond had secured a d.
vorce was a mistake. but he, on learning
OF his wife's remarriage. took IL for grant
ed that she had procured a decree In Kan
sas. and he also remarked a few months
later. taking for a second wife another
Sullivan girl. That was nearly seven years
ago. and both have been the owners OF two
legal spouses since that time. In blissful
Ignorance OF their bigamous life. Mr.. HAM
mond discovered the mistake a short time
ago and Mrs. Terrell learned the true facts
only yesterday. A week ago Mr.. and Mrs.
Ferrel came here from Wichita on a visit,
bringing with them the latter's daughter,
guests of the family OF Ferrelrs uncle, DIR.
Lewis Kern. Hammond, who is still a resi-
dent OF Sullivan. learned of their presence
here and puE in an appearance Wednesday
and demanded possession of the little girl,
emphasizing his purpose by instituting
nabeaS corpus proceedings The parties all
appeared before Judge Kirkpatrick, and
after a short hearing the court directed
that the child remain temporarily with Its
mother. she giving 500 bond 10 have her
charge In court next term for final hearing.
The remarriage without divorce Is not the
only unusual feature in this case. Another
circumstance adds interest and explains
why there Is such a heated contest in the
courts for possession of the little girl. Two
years ago Myrtle met with a railroad acct
dent on the Frisco line. being permanently
injured by a piece of gas pipe falling on
her head from the hat-rack above. In the
name OF Myrtle Terrell, her mother sued
the railway company for $4,000 damages.
the child's real father. learned
OF the damage suit and began TO devise
means TO obtain the custody of the girl
and the prospective $4,000. an interest i'm
the girl he had never before manifested.
Last March, unknown to Mrs. Terrell.
secured n divorce from her in
the Sullivan Circuit Court, also being given
the legal custody OF the girl. This proceed
ing was also a revelation to the woman,
she nowin nothing OF IL until Hammond
appeared here Wednesday. She will at
once take action to have the court order
annulled- Both litigants are in the fight to
a finish. having hired the best legal talent
obtainable 10 represent them In the courts.
The damage suit against the railroad
comes up at Wichita next week. the COM
Paint having been amended by substitute
Ing the true name of the plaintiff Ham,
mond) instead of Terrell. a change made
necessary by the matrimonial and other
complications. The little girl and the
prospective $4,000 will be a central fig
ure IN the courts for come time to come.
Since learning that they are not legally
married, Mr.. and Mrs. Terrell have been
living apart. ard they viii. remain so until
action to take to make them lawful hus-
band and wife.