In a series of petitions during the years 1847 and 1848, Margaret Hackney seeks the court's interposition in her unhappy marriage with Joseph Hackney. First petitioning through her brother and next friend, George Dickey, she seeks a separation from Joseph and alimony. Citing her husband's "aim and design ... to become ... the owner of her negroes," she alleges that Joseph "is anxiously awaiting her decease in order to have his scheme fully consummated." She believes that he is trying to hasten her death and has "even gone as far as to force opium and brandy upon her when she was lying sick." He also removed her from their farm where she was "comfortably situated" and has "incarcerated her in a most uncomfortable shed-room." She fears she will "die by piece-meal" through exposure to inclement weather and Joseph's disregard. Dickey shortly thereafter files a bill reiterating his sister's "present situation," adding that Joseph forbids Margaret's relatives to visit her, and he asks the court to "determine whether she ought forthwith to be so provided for that her health and comfort may be secured." Margaret answers with a bill for dismissal, relating her brother's death, her expectation not to live "much longer," and her desire to remain with Joseph, whom she calls "her best living friend." After the court appoints her another next friend, she reopens her suit and asks to be "placed among her friends where she can be treated kindly in her declining days." She then amends this bill, accusing Joseph of adultery, asking for an "absolute divorce" from him and that "all the property that belonged to her at the time of said marriage be settled upon her."
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Maury County Historical Society Loose Records Project, Columbia, Tennessee
