Frances Sharpe seeks a divorce from her husband of twenty-nine years, Gowin Harris, who she claims has used "personal violence towards her" and has threatened "to take her life." Frances also alleges that Harris abandoned her and their eight children in Perry County, Mississippi, leaving "in the night, taking with him every slave that belonged to" them. She eventually found him in Louisiana, where she and the children have lived with him since 1829. In Louisiana, Harris "continued to conduct himself towards her in the most outrageous and unmanly manner." Frances claims that her husband is now planning to move to Iberville Parish, and though he claims he will take his family with him, Frances fears that he will abandon her and the children en route. On account of these offenses, Frances prays to be "divorced from the bonds of matrimony;" for a separation of property; custody of the children; and alimony consisting of "half of all the slaves and moveable property." In addition, she believes that Harris will leave the state before she can ascertain an estimate of the property; she therefore prays that Harris be ordered to give sufficient security to ensure that she and her children will not be left without support.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas, Louisiana
