The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-01-23
IN THE DISTRICT COURT
A Brief Session Was Held in De-
partment I.
THE ROWAN DIVORCE SUIT
A Decree Granted the Wife-She Was
Obliged to Leave Her Husband ON
Account of His Cruelty-Two
Years a Drunkard.

Judge Clancy held a brief session OF
court in Department /. yesterday after
| noon and heard the plaintiffs proofs in
the divorce case of Althea Rowan, upon
which a decree of divorce was ordered.
YRS. Rowan, who is young woman
prominent in the labor circles of
women of Butte, testified that she was
married to the defendant in Helena, on
March Z, 1882, and they lived together
until the first of last December when
she was compelled to leave him on ac-
count of his cruelty. She said that on
the 18th of May of last year he knocked
her down and pulled her hair. He also
drew "a gun on her. For two years he
has been habitually drunk, and during
that time did not support his wife and
child.
rs he fit and competent person to
have the care and custody of your
ehld?" asked her attorney.
NO; he never thinks of anything but
drink. He does not even think enough
of himself to take care of himself. He
is drunk all the. time and has been
away from home for four days at a
time
Mrs. Rowan's mother substantiated
her daughters testimony. She also said
that her son-in-law had once threat
ened to strike her. She said he called
his wife vile names and never bought
her a stitch of clothing" Mrs. Rowan
was given the custody of her child.
Mary A. Madison yesterday COM
menced an action for divorce against
her husband, Charles A. Madison. to
whom she was married at Alma, Wis,
on April 4. 1887. In 1893. while living in
Butte. he deserted her and has ever
since lived separate and apart from her,
and in that time has not contributed to
the support of herself and children. The
last she heard of him he was at Oak
land, Cal. over a year ago, but she
subsequently wrote to him in that city
and her letter was returned, having
been uncalled for.
Edward Westlake also brought suit
for divorce yesterday against his wife,
Annie M. Westlake, whom he accuses
of cruelty. He alleges in his complaint
that they were married in Butte on
Sept. %, 1887. and that ever since that
time his wife has treated him in a
cruel and inhuman manner. AT divers
times since the marriage, in the pres
ence of others, she called him indecent
names and accused him of unchastity
and has kept UP premeditated and
persistent system of persecution and
annoyance toward him, exposing him
to ridicule and the contempt of strang-
ers. On Nov. %, 1897 she assaulted
him with carving knife and stabbed
and cut him in the face, causing a
grievous wound on his left cheek, from
which he suffered great mental and
physical pain. At the same time she
threatened to kill him. At numerous
times since then she has abused him
and threatened to put an end To his life
Last Monday she again threatened him
and called him vile names and he
finally got tired of ii and quit He also
alleges in his complaint that lots 49,
90 u and %. in block Is, of Leggat d
Fosters addition, upon which are stu
ated eight frame dwelling houses
valued at $500 stand in her name on
the records of the county. and from
which there is "a rental of $97 50 a |
s., 900 in cash and a $500 note drawing |
per cent month interest. The great /
er portion of the real and personal |
property WAS accumulated through the I
personal earnings of the plaintiff or |
with his money. but he allowed il to +
be placed in the name of the defendant /
With the express understanding that I
each should have half but that it all /
should remain III her name for the rea-
son that she should manage it, West I
AXE asks the court to decree him TO 10
restraining order was issued to prevent +
he defendant from disposing of it.
Henry Kip brought an action
against Ruth A. Burton to get pos
session of lot l.. in block D. i'm the
leggat Foster addition which he
alleges she has been unlawfully in pos
session of since July. 1897 He also
wants 800 damages and $40 a month
'ent from July of last year
Robert Leonard, clerk of Judge Lind
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