Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-23
$4,000 DAMAGES
Necessary to Soothe Marshall
F. Stevens Wounded Heart.
Accuses RichardW. Browpof Skowhe-
gan, Of Alternating Wife's Affections.
Mrs. Stevens Is a Miilincr at Norridgcwock.
Young. Stylish and Pretty.

A Lewiston Journal special from
Skowhegan says:
This time Somerset's sensation is a
pealer. 1t is just getting out into the
mouths of the people. for only within
"A hours have the preliminary legal
steps been taken. But even at this
early stage of incubation it promises
to eclipse in popular interest even the
famous Lapghton-Cypher trial that
set the countryside agog from Cara
basSet to Devils Head in Harmony.
At the instance of Mr.. Marshall f.
Stevens of Norridgewock the goods and
estate of Mr. Richard W. Brown of
Skowhegan have been attached in the
sum Of $4,000 and a writ has been
placed in the hands of High Sheriff +.
l.. Pennell. charging Mr.. Brown with
alternating the affections of Mrs. Stev-
ems. The writ is returnable at the Sep
TENDER term in Somerset.
The case is to be cause celebre ow-
ing to the prominence of the parties
The defendant is one of the wealthest
men in the county. Estimates put the
value of his various possessions at
from $4,000 to $50. 900. He is known all
over northeastern Maine. For years he
has been an extensive buyer of cattle
sheep and wool and in that capacity
has visited every portion of this and
adjoining counties and has had deal
ings with hundreds of = farmers and
business men.
OF late years he has engaged in other
lines of industry. His residence, where
he lives with second Mrs. Brown, is
one of the finest in the village of
Skowhegan.
Some time ago Mr.. Brown became
principal owner and managing director
of the Skowhegan e Norridgewock
Electric Railroad. In his employ as
conductor was Marshall r. Stevens,
who once on a time drove stage in
this SECTION and has always had a wide
acquaintance.
Mr.. Stevens has a very pretty Wife.
She has been the milliner-in Norridgc-
wock village for some time, is a slen-
der. graceful and stylish woman and
bore an excellent reputation until re-
cent scandal began to busy itself with
her name.
About Il year ago. Mr.. Stevens gave
up his position on the railroad and
went away. He is said to have been
troubled at some matters in the domes-
tic circle. He alleged that Mrs. Stew
ems was too greatly impressed by the
attentions that were bestowed upon
her by the big. good looking manager
of the Electric Road.
Mr.. Stevens said that Mr.. Brown
appeared to have. too much business
at the millinery store in Norridgewock.
He also alleges that he noticed other
circumstances that could not be eX-
planned to his satisfaction and the up
shot of the trouble was that he left
the place.
His departure. according to the sto-
ries that are atlOat, didn't mend mat
ters much. Gossip took on a more
acrimonious edge. Some people set
themselves to watch. These persons
have communicated with Mr.. Stevens,
and it is said. will have some interest
ing stories to relate on the stand when
the case comes TO trial.
The scandal even spread itself to Show
hogan, and some of the citizens Of this
village have more or less light TO shed on
Mr.. Stevens hasn't appeared openly in
either place since his departure. but it is
understood that he has been in the see
ton within d few weeks. and has insti-
tutcd more or less searching inquiries
His discoveries were promptly followed
by attachment of Mr.. Browns property
and by the issuance of the writ from the
Office of the clerk Of courts.
The writ states the ad damnum in the
sum of SIS, 600. and goes on to state the
causes with legal circumlocution. to the
effect that said Richard w. Brown of
Skowhegan, unjustly intending and con-
irving to injure said plaintiff Marshall
f. Stevens. and to deprive him of the
comfort and society of his wife Susie Nj.
Stevens. and to ALLEVIATE her affections on
the first day of January, 1896 and on
divers other days between that day and
the day of the purchase of the writ, at
Norridge and at SkoWhegan. did
wrongfully and wickedly debauch said
Susie NJ Stevens. and that thereby the
affections of said Mrs. Stevens were
and destroyed, etc. The writ is
dated March 20.
Mr.. Stevens has retained as counsel
Forrest Goodwin, Esq. Of Skowhegan.
The Journal representative saw MIR. Good
win at his office, today, but that gentle
man declined to make any statement con-
corning the case beyond admitting the
fact that the suit had been commenced.
At this term Mrs. Stevens has entered
suit against her husband for divorce, al
his matter will be heard.
1t is understood that there has been
some indirect conference between the
parties to the alienation suit, looking to-
wards a settlement. So far the negotia-
tons have been Intellectual.
This is the second suit for alienation
hat has been entered in Somerset county
within two years. The Hill-Dllingham
affair was tried and filled the court room
FOR several days.
1t is learned from reliable sources that
Mr.. Brown will deny the whole charges
and will he fully prepared to meet the
same; that this suit is an attempt, as he
says. to deliberately blackmail him fo:'
he sole purpose of securing money and
nothing else. 1t is claimed that this fact
las been stated by the plaintiff on various
occasions
1t is rumored that Hon. p. n. Merrill of
has been retained as counsel
FOR Mr.. Brown. and that the case will be
contested.
The police of Terre Haute. Ind, have
Recam Ingram, a farmer, on Il