Judith Williams seeks to prevent her husband Josiah from removing their children and his estate from the state. She submits that she and Josiah were married in 1785 and that "by their united care and industry have accumulated a considerable Property sufficient to have supported themselves and children in a decent and comfortable manner." The petitioner confesses, however, that "for about two years past" Josiah "has wantonly abused and ill treated her, by using the most harsh & grating language towards her, by beating her in a manner cruel & dangerous and too severe to be described by a wife or mother." She asserts that his "barbarous & tyrannical treatment" forced her "to make her escape from his house and flee with her infant Daughter from his ungovernable fury at a time when she believes he actually made an attempt to end her existence." Williams, therefore prays for "an adequate maintenance and support for herself" and custody of her three youngest daughters. The decree granting her prayer cites the "flagitious conduct on the part of the deft in keeping a negro girl in his house & under the observation of one of his sons" as grounds for its decision.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina
