Martha Turner asks the court to require her husband, Thomas Turner, to pay alimony. The petitioner reveals that early in their marriage her husband "became addicted to the intemperate use of ardent spirits" and was abusive to her. By 1828, in a "state of pregnancy," she attempted to save the marriage, hoping that "submission and forbearance" would encourage "more kindness and respect if not affection." Her husband's reaction was to deliver "so violent a blow on her stomach as to be followed shortly after by an abortion." She reports that she eventually suggested a separation from him and "he appeared to be pleased at the suggestion" and agreed to pay her alimony. Martha left her husband and returned to her mother's home, believing her situation "had become almost intolerable and desperate," whereupon Thomas then proceeded to advertise "your oratrix as a runaway and forewarned all persons from harbouring her or giving her credit on his account." The petitioner cites that her husband is worth $10,000, and she asks that he be summoned to answer these charges. [The petition is missing pages but the related petitions mention slaves.]
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
