The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-05-24
MRS. MARY LEASE
is DIVORCED
Tells Court Her Husband Did
Not Support Her.
SAYS SHE LIVES HERE
Was Dressed Unlike a Serf of
Octopus
SAYS SHE LIVES HERE

Mrs. Mary T.. Lease was 6tanteu IL
vorce from Charles Lease yesterday at
ternoon by Judge Dale of the district
court Mr. Lease made no fight on the
granting of the decree, and the only sen
sationaI thing in connection with the
hearing of the case were the charges of
non-support Mrs. Lease made against her
husband. She also informed the court
that she resided in Wichita, though she
has not been here for several years. This
was an important point for a person
can only secure "a divorce in this state
If they are residents Of il. II was
thought by some that Judge Dale would
decide that she was not a resident OF
SCdgwick county and would refuse TO
grant the divorce, thus making himself
famous but the Judge coolly let the
chance to make a name for himself 20 by
Mrs. Lease desired a private trial. She
went TO Judge Dale yesterday morning
and asked that the case be heard in pri-
vate, but he refused to grant her re-
quest. Accordingly. at lis o'clock yes
terday afternoon, the case was heard in
open court.
There were about two dozen men in
the room. who were waiting for the reg
uIar court business to begin and who
probably rad no idea that the famous
Lease Gaze would come up for trial at
thai time. Word was passed around the
corridors Il the court house that the trial
was or. ana some of the clerks came
hurlyirg upstairs. leaving their official
duties behind them.
At III Mrs. Lease entered the room,
in company with Amos McCIain,
who is an old friend Of Mrs. Leases son,
Charles She was dressed in a dress of
black silk. and did not appear in the least
like one OF the down-trodden serfs of the
money power. 1. ?. Campbell. her at
torney, was already in the room.
AS soon as she had entered the case
was called. Mrs. Lease was the first
witness to take the stand in her own be-
half
What is your name?" asked Mr. Camp
bell.
Mary E. Lease" she replied in a low
voice. and looking perfectly possessed.
Are you the plaintiff?''
rs Charles Lease, the defendant. your
husband?"
Yes"
when were you married?'
In 1873. in January"
'Where?"
Dosage Mission Kan
Please state whether the defendant |
has supported you or your family"
He has not
How many children have your
-Four"
What are their names?"
Charles. Louise, Grace and Ben Hur."
How old is the youngest?"
Sixteen.
How old is the oldest?'
"Twenty-siX or q.
Have you all the children with your
Yes"
This suit was fled in January. 1902
Yes"
Please state whether at that time your
husband was supporting YOU"
Not at all"
How long has it been since he failed
to support your
Since 1891 / have been supporting my /
self entirely"
Where were you staying at that
time?"
AT SS5 Wabash avenue. this city"
For a year preceding 1901 what were
you doing?"
For number of years had been do
ing newspaper work; l sold advertising,
kept boarders, and sewed.'
Within the last two or three years
what had you been doing?"
Il am back and forth from the Atlantic
to the Pacific
Where is your residence"
Il have no residence except the one in
Kansas"
Have you changed your residence"
No"
For how long has your husband failed
to support you?"
Define more definitely what you
mean"
In the way of financial aid
4 have never received s. in all my mar
ried life from my husband
Who furnished the table?"
II did
Have you been keeping house in New
York;
Ne"
Your Oldest son has rooms there7"
My oldest son is in business.
What children do you now support ,"
Il clothe the two youngest. who are
now IN school
rs your residence stHI in wichita2"
asked the judge.
Yes: my mail is even sent here"
Mrs. Lease was then dismissed and J.
". Brown was placed on the stand.
How long have you known Mrs.
Lease?" asked Mr. Campbell
About twelve years.
What do YOU know about her supply
ng the famny?"
I know very little about It personally.
was informed by neighhors several
years ago that she was In hard circum-
stances.
Was IN wsnt?"
Yes"
Did you assist herr
Yes. I gave her -four and groceries
rom my store"
What was she doing in the way OF
ecturing2'
Spending a good deal II time at it.
Did you furnish aid 70 her husbsnd7'
Il did not know her husband in the
rans2ctio1.r
After Mr. Brown had been examined