Martha Weeks represents that in 1833 the estate of her husband William, who had been "removed to the Lunatic Hospital at Williamsburg as an insane person," was "committed to Thos Branch (then Sergeant of the sd town) for the safekeeping and good management thereof"; the estate included a number of slaves. The petitioner recounts that some time later William Weeks escaped from the hospital, traveled to Kentucky "where he remained for a considerable time," and where he sought to obtain a divorce. She further states that the said William is back in the state and that he "procured the passage of a Bill in the General Assembly of Va providing a more summary mode for Lunatics to recover from their Committees their Estates." Although he was once "a Kind husband and affectionate father," Martha believes he is still insane as he takes no interest in his three children, ages ten to fourteen, and mistreats her constantly. The petitioner therefore prays that she be granted a separation, alimony, and "the custody, guardianship, and support of their infant offspring as may seem right."
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Petersburg, Virginia
