Marguerite Lejeune, formerly the widow of Jean Baptiste LeBleu, seeks a divorce from her new husband, Ernest Godin. Marguerite claims that she lived peacefully with Godin, whom she married on the 10th of January of the current year, for approximately three months. Around the 15th of April, Godin “commenced abusing” her and has continued to do so “with few intermissions.” At some point, Godin even threatened to shoot one of her slaves, whom she had called to the rescue. Furthermore, Godin has defamed her in the presence of many people, accusing her of lewd conduct. Finally, he has boasted of being able to “ruin” her but with “one word.” Marguerite claims that, when she married Godin, she owned a plantation, livestock, household items, farm equipment, and slaves. Since the marriage, she has purchased a female mulatto slave with her own funds. Godin’s contribution to the community property has been “one creole horse,” a few medicines, and his “wearing apparel.” Marguerite therefore seeks a divorce, or at least a separation of “bed and board,” from Godin. She also prays to be separated in property and wants the restitution of her “paraphernal” property. Finally, she seeks the right to administer her property, without Godin's interference.
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas, Louisiana
