Preece Family Tree

An Exeter Divorce.

In the Divorce Division on Tuesday Mr Justice Barnes heard the case of Sweetland v Sweetland. The petitioner, Mrs Elizabeth Ellen Sweetland, living at Exeter, sued for a divorce from her husband, Mr William Edward Sweetland, against whom she alleged cruelty and misconduct. There was no defence. Petitioner said the marriage took place on the 11th March, 1885, at St Thomas Church and she and her husband lived together until November, 1891. Her husband had on one occasion seized her by the throat; on another occasion he took hold of her by the nose and blacked her eyes; and at another time he blacked one eye and bruised her side. He threw her on the bed and threatened to cut her throat and had been fined by the magistrates. After that there was a deed of separation. His Lordship granted a decree nisi.

Sequel to an Exeter Divorce Suit.

Application from Starcross.

At the Exeter Court this morning - before his Honour Judge Edge - the case of Sweetland v Sweetland was heard. - Mr Ellis Strange appeared for the plaintiff, Elizabeth Ellin Sweetland, described as of Eastdon Lodge, Starcross; and the defendant, William Edward Sweetland, florist's assistant, of 29, East Southernhay, Exeter, appeared on his own behalf. - Mr Strange pointed out that the plaintiff sought to recover £21 8s 9d costs which she obtained in a judgement against the defendant in the Probate Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice on the 2nd March last. The plaintiff was granted a divorce from the defendant, her husband, and the President made an order for her costs. The decree had not been made absolute yet. - In reply to Mr Strange, defendant said he was a gardener employed by his father with several others. His wages amounted to 18s a week, and out of that he allowed for his board and lodging. If he did not work he was not paid and he only received himself about 8s or 9s a week, sometimes not that. - His Honour said the defendant would have to pay 8s a month. - Debtor said he could not do it. He had been suffering from rheumatic and gout. - His Honour: You could get a doctor's certificate and apply to have payment suspended. - Debtor: Dr Farrant discharged me from the militia on account of acute rheumatism. - His Honour: What were you in the Militia? - Debtor: A bandsman. - The Judge made the order for the payment of the amount by instalments of 8s a month.

SEQUEL TO AN EXETER DIVORCE CASE.

Yesterday, at the Exeter County Court, before his Honour Judge Edge, the case of Sweetland v. Sweetland, transferred from the Divorce Court, was mentioned. Mr. Ellis Strange was for the plaintiff, Elizabeth Ellen Sweetland, described as of Eastdon Lodge, Starcross, and the defendant, William Edward Sweetland, florist's assistant of 29, East Southernhay, Exeter, appeared on his own behalf. Mr. Strange explained that the plaintiff sought to recover £21 8s 9d, costs which she obtained in a judgment against the defendant in the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Divison of the High Court of Justice on March 2. Plaintiff was granted a divorce from her husband, the defendant, and the President made an order for her costs. The decree had not yet been made absolute. Answering Mr. Strange, defendent said he was employed as a gardener by his father, his wages being 18s a week. After he had paid for board and lodgings there was no more than 8s a week left for himself. His Honour ordered defendent to pay the amount claimed in instalments of 8s a month. Defendent: I cannot pay, for I am often ill, and do not then receive any wages at all.