Mary Davenport Ellis petitions for a separation from bed and board from her husband, Allen Ellis. Since their marriage in 1816, Allen has subjected Mary to "evil treatment and outrage" due to his "habitual intoxication." Mary claims that, in September 1823, Allen, without any cause known to her, "knocked her down with his fist several times in a barbarous and evil manner" and then defamed her in the most "obscene and abusive manner." The following year, he again struck her while she was in "a bad state of health." Mary charges that, in February, Allen "cruelly tore out the hair of her head, choked her violently" and then threatened to kill her. Mary now prays to be separated from bed and board and for a separation of property. She contends that their property is "principally her paraphernal property," made up of twelve slaves and money that she inherited from her grandfather, mother, and father. Additionally, Mary asks for one half of the "acquits and gains," for a mortgage on Allen's property as security, and for custody of their two children.
Result: Dismissed.
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Repository: Iberville Parish Courthouse, Plaquemine, Louisiana
