Melinda McCalla seeks alimony from her husband, James McCalla, "who has been absent for near a year, without giving your oratrix the least information as to where he was or when he would return." Melinda informs the court that, "without any cause," James has "abused and villified [her] in such an excessive manner as has rendered her life intolerable." He has threatened her in front of her neighbors and "expressed himself that he would never die satisfied until he had taken her life." About a year ago, he sold the plantation "whereon he lived ... leaving your oratrix without a home or a house, or any place to reside." He also removed eighteen slaves "from without the state into the State of Alabama." Melinda currently has the care of their three youngest children, the eldest of whom is thirteen years old. Melinda, now "upwards of fifty years of age," is completely dependent upon the "charity" of her friends for support. She therefore prays "your Honors to decree her a portion of her said husband's estate to be vested in trustees for her support & maintenance during her natural life." She also seeks permission to "live separate and apart" from him.
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina
