The times., 1899-07-03
DEAF MUTE DIVORCE CASE.
Story of Discord in n Family Pos
sessed of Great Wealth.


sessed of Great Wealth.
Newburg, July Judge Hirschberg
had the famous deaf mute case before him
again yesterday. The suit is brought by
Mary L. Haight against Henry Jansen
Haight for alimony and counsel fees, pend
ing trial for separation. Both are deaf
mutes and have great wealth. They sup
port a summer home at Newport a
winter home in New York, and a
country home in Goshen, this coun-
ty. Colonel Ingersolls law firm appeared
for the plaintiff. and former Judge Angus
tus Van Wyck personally represented the
defendant. The plaintiff alleged that for
six months past defendant had done MOTH
ing for the support Of his family, and for
| five years previous had not supported them
in a manner fitting their station. They
were married in 1868.
The plaintiff is a member of one Of the
best families in Memphis, Tenn. The de-
! fendant is the son OF one of the wealthiest
! families of Orange county, the father at
his death a few years ago leaving an es-
tate valued at nearly $4,000, 900. After their
| marriage they went to live on the
homestead with Mr.. Haight's parents. In
1885 the mother died she was at that
| time possessed of great wealth in he own
name, besides the income from her hus-
| bands estate. which amounted to S25 coo
annually. She disposed OF 5000, 900 by will
and the balance of her estate was valued
at over 100000 by the appraisers All
went in trust to her two sons. This was
| Independent of the s1,50D,000 left by her
husband. Among the properties belonging
| TO the estate are the buildings l56 and
15S Broadway, the old St. Nicholas Hotel,
and an apartment house in Waverly Place,
all in the City of New York. Besides this
was the Goshen estate of 200 acres, and a
park of upward Of thirty acres near by,
where $4,000 mausoIeum was erected
! A rough estimate put the income of the es-
tate at $50, 600 annually.
| Plaintiffs counsel said that since the
| death of defendants mother he has not
lived deceHtly nor BETTING one of his sta
tion in the community, and that now he
is fugitive hiding In an adjoining State.
Judge Van Wyck said there were two sides
TO the story. and he hoped for the good of
| all concerned that no alimony would be
granted, as it would simply preclude the
| possibility of reuniting husband and wife
and wreck home that might otherwise
be kept together with a little judicious
work.
To the couple We're born three children,
a son and two daughters. One of the
! daughters is nineteen and half years OF
| age. The children are not deaf mutes. As
a companion for the wife, Mr.. Haight Sc
| cured the services of a deaf mute OF the
name of Esse Phantom. The eldest
daughter married, and the introduction OF
a son-inlaw in the family brought dis
cord. He knew of the wealth of his wife's
parents, and he looked about for a way to
get some of it. He embittered Mrs
Haight against her companion, Miss
Phantom, and Mrs. Haight left the home
stead. Then she instituted proceedings to
remove the trustees, had criminal proceed
ings instituted against the defendant in
the courts of Orange county, and COM
menced foreclosure proceedings against the
homestead to compel the payment OF
$500. Finally, driven from his home, the
defendant was compelled to take up his
abode with friends. He is willing to live
with his wife and daughter. but wants
nothing to do with those who have been
the cause of all his troubles.
Judge Van Wyck opposed the motion for
alimony and counsel fees on three grounds:
First, that plaintin has fund sufficient to
carry on the suit and to support herself
until the trial shall take place; second
every equity has been denied in the an
swer; third, the separation may only be
temporary and is not needed.
Justice Hirschberg said he would not
decide the question off-hand, but would
examine the papers. He assured Judge
Van Wyck however, that II was a plain
matter of law that a man must support
his wife and minor children, and in a style
in keeping with their position in life and
| society.