The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-08-03
A SENSATIONAL
DIVORCE CASE
WIFE CHARGED HUSBAND WITH
BEATING HER UNTIL SHE
COULD NOT SPEAK.

Grand Forks. N. D., Aug. "a
rather sensational divorce suit was
tried before Judge Templeton in
chambers yesterday when Sarah M.
Higgins sued her husband. w. j..
Higgins, for separation and for the
custody OF their two children. John
w. Higgins, aged 10 years ana Mary r.
Higgins, aged ID. The Higgins were
married at Winnipeg in February,
1889 and the testimony showed that
their welded life had been rather ex-
citing, though not Joyous.
In her complaint. Mrs. Higgins al
legged cruel and inhuman treatment,
non-support and improper relations
with women. It was charged that
shortly after the marriage, the de-
PENDANT started to abuse his wife,
that he was insanely jealous and ac-
cused her OF unfaithfulness before
their children and before strangers,
that he had beaten her and kicked her
mad reviled her with obscene
language.
year are fixed as dates upon which
tflo ASAShudAtl as dAASeSu 70 nave DE-
come particularly abusive. 1t was
also charged that on the last OF
these dates, the defendant had beat
en- and kicked his wife until she was
so weak and nearly dead that she
was unable to speak, and that he had
dragged her then about the floor and
finally jumped on her body with his
feet. 1t was further charged that
during this period Of violence he had
used language which was too OBJ
scene to be placed In the record.
Covers Long Period.
Another allegation was that for a
period OF more than ten years, the de-
PENDANT had consorted with women of
unsavory and doubtful reputation to
the great mental anguish Of his wife.
1t was charged that in February,
1905, while the Higgins were In Far
go, the defendant had locked the
plaintiff In a room and sought to
compel her to allow him to maintain
and consort with women Of doubtful
character and, that upon her refusal
he had pointed revolver at her and
fired. the bullet just missing her
head.
III was 1uEluCE dtlGBSQ bildL the dG-
PENDANT was addicted to the use OF
Intoxicating liquors and that he had
squandered his money, leaving his
wife and children without the neces-
stiles Of life.
All OF these charges were found
/ touched on by evidence before thu
court with the exception of the one
charging with consorting with i'm.
moral women for over ten years
The other charges were sufficient Il
| form ground for divorce and decres
prayed for was granted and Mrs. Hig.
gins was given the custody of tn,
children.
/ Valves Alincny.
In the complaint. arfmony was ask
ed but this was waived.
j The only witnesses were Mrs Rig
gins and her daughter. The defend
ant was represented by Atty. r.. q
Nassee of East Grand Forks. Re al
not offer any evidence but merely on
posed the introduction Of some OF tn
! plaintiffs evidence. Atty. j. b. Wine
] man appeared for Mrs. Higgins.
The granting Of the divorce Is TIL
! elimination to long list of Difficult
ties which has brought the Higgin
into court before. 1t IL but six week
! since Mr. Higgins pleaded guilty to
! charge or assault upon his wife an
Il paid d fine. The action Tor divorc
!. was started more than month az
!. but service on the defendant coui
mot be made for some time.
~M~..a.xs.. 7