The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-28
SOUGHT
CUSTODY OF
HIS CHILD
Bernard Martin Claimed His
Daughter Was Detained by
George H. HILL

Judge Blodgett today heard the petit
ton OF Bernard Martin for the custody
OF his nine year-old daughter, Elizabeth
Martin. Mr.. Martin and his wife separat-
ed couple OF years ago and the child
for some weeks has been detained by
George II. Hill Of North Providence. Mr..
Hill claimed today that he had really
brought up the child from the time It was
IL months old. The child's mother wishes
1t to remain with Mr.. Hin.
There was no claim made by Hill that
Martin ever gave up the custody OF this
child TO him. Hill gave Martin a very bad
character as a provider for his family.
Though there were many things said
about Mr.. Martin II was admitted he had
drank nothing for II years and had the
reputation OF being an industrious man.
Mrs. Martin is a dressmaker at 10 Math-
ewson street. Mrs Hill is a sister of Mrs.
Martin.
During the hearing II developed that
while Elizabeth lived with the Hills she
only attended the church Mrs. Hill at
tended namely the Episcopal church.
The hearing was a lengthy one as
Judge Blodgett said the main question
was the welfare OF the child and this re-
quired the examination OF many wit
nesses
Mr.. Hill was called as the first witness
by petitioner He asserted that he had
the child In his care continuously for
seven years until year ago. During
year or more II had been In the care of
Mrs. Kelly. Mr.. Hill said the child was
sent To him when IL was IL months old
and kept by him until the Martins had
their falling out. This witness was called
for tho purpose Of Identifying the child
and proving its present custody.
Bernard Martin the petitioner was the
next witness. He said that the child
about whose possession there was a dis
pute had been great deal OF the time
at Mr.. Hills home In Comfortable The
child went 10 school until two years ago
at Comfortable, since that time the child
has gone 10 school ct the ST. Patrick's
paroch.al school. which Is near the home
OF Mrs. Kelly. petitioners sister. He and
his wife were married In 1885.
One OF his children was In a convent
school In Pennsylvania Mr.. Martin de-
clared that some time ago. he broke his
leg and he was taken TO the Rhode Is-
land hospital. For four weeks Mr.. Hill
took the girl Elizabeth from Mrs Relly's
to the hospital to see MIR. Martin. ana
then took her to his home on Monday
morning. returning the child 10 Mrs
Kelly's so that the child could go 10
returned to the home OF Mrs. Kelly.
Mr., Martin was asked II he had not
been arrested and punished for an as
sault on his wife II came out that the
offence which Mr.. Martin admitted was
committed twelve years ago.
He was asked by Senator Easton. who
s Hills counsel II he was not fined for
being at a cock fight. The witness ad-
mitted the charge.
Mr.. Smith, agent for the society Of the
prevention Of cruelty OF animals was
brought into court as a witness The
cock fight took place three years ago,
and Mr.. Martin was only a spectator
Mrs Kelly. sister Of the petitioner, said
she had provided good home for Eliza
beth The petitioner lived with her and
had contributed to the childs support.
said that his brother, the petitioner, was
able to support Elizabeth, and that she
had good home with Mrs. Kelly.
Mr.. Hill was recalled and said he was
machinist He gave Mr.. Martin a very
bad character.
Mrs. Martin, mother Of the child ad-
nitted her husband was fond OF the chill
dren In his way. Elizabeth had been at
the home OF the Hills about all her life
Mrs. Martin said she had frequently Wis
tied her daughter at the home OF Mr.
Hills Mrs. Martin declared she never
tried 70 interfere with the child's religion.
She declared Mrs. Kelly did not provide
for the child.
for Mr.. Martin.