Three years ago, Harriet Kent Schwrar filed for divorce from her husband Philip G. Schwrar. Now, Philip petitions that their separation, which took place on 18 March 1862, "is deliberate and final ... and beyond any reasonable expectation of reconciliation." He acknowledges their "domestic difficulties," but focuses on "the result of their unhappy marriage," their four children, who have lived with Harriet since the separation. He claims that his efforts to contribute to their support have "been refused by their said mother," but that he has "never relinquished his right" to their custody. He says he has "the prospect of being fully able for the future of providing for their education and well being," something he alleges Harriet is unable to do. The petitioner asks the court to grant him a divorce from his wife and to give him custody of his children. A related deposition reveals that Harriet brought to the marriage five slaves, one of whom she sold to cover her husband's debts, one who was mortgaged to Edward Bird, and the remaining three who remained with her until they "were emancipated by law."
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
