Ruth Moore seeks a divorce from her husband of thirty years, John Moore. Ruth informs the court that she lived "very happily" with her husband for about twenty years until he became "much addicted to the debasing habit of intoxication" and began to verbally and physically abuse her. She now has "Just cause to fear and does fear that she is in Great danger of death or Great bodily harm from" his abuse. Ruth brought two female slaves to the marriage; one of them, Eliza, has since had five children. Ruth asserts that the couple had "a Very good start for young beginners in the world which with proper care and economy might have been increased by this time to a hansom estate." John, however, has "disposed of her real estate his own and the most of said slaves." She seeks an injunction to prevent John "from disturbing or in any way molesting her in the possession and enjoyment" of two slaves, who remain with her, and "a reasonable Sum for maintenance" during the suit. Less than a month later, Ruth filed an amended bill asking the court to bar the constable and "all other the creditors real or pretended" of her husband, from selling the couple's four remaining slaves to pay John's debts. In his answer, John Moore attributed his wife's marital discontent to a period of "very feeble health," wherein she "became apprehensive of the loss of their property." The "heavy expenses incurred" during her sickness drained their finances, and they lost "nine valuable negroes by death." The couple dismissed the suit in August 1847, attesting that the "difficulties existing have been amicably adjusted."
Result: Partially granted; dismissed by consent of parties.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
