Travis JOHNSON and Fanny DEE Charged With Adultery (1840)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 3 (April 1840 - April 1843), in April 1840 Travis Johnson and Fanny Dee were charged with adultery. Travis Johnson paid a $200 bond (with John Stewart as the surety on the bond) to appear at the next term of court. In October 1840, the court ruled that the charges were "insufficient in law", and the case was dismissed.

Milly DAVIS Charged With Adultery (1832)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in April 1832 Emilia "Milly" Davis, who had been charged with adultery and fornication, failed to appear in court. John Kearns, who had been the security on her bond, also failed to appear. In October 1832, they were still unable to find her. In April 1833, the county prosecutor announced the charges were being dropped.

John KEARNS Charged With Adultery (1832)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in April 1832 John Kearns, who had been charged with adultery and fornication, failed to appear in court. Thomas Samuel, who had been the security on his bond, also failed to appear. In October 1832, he was still unable to be found; in April 1833, the county prosecutor told the court the charges were being dropped.

Andrew MILLER Charged With Adultery (1829)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in February 1829 Andrew Miller, who had been charged with adultery and fornication, failed to appear in court.

Hendricks County Divorce Index 1824-1900 Added

An index to divorce cases in Hendricks County from 1824 to 1900 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. This index was compiled from entries in the order books of the Hendricks County Circuit Court (1824-1900) as well as the Hendricks County Court of Common Pleas (1853-1873).

John and Polly MOOREMAN'S Adultery Charges Dismissed (1828)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in August 1828 the county prosecutor dropped the adultery and fornication charges against John C. and Polly Mooreman.

Andrew and Ann TURNER Charged With Adultery (1826)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in October 1826 Andrew Turner and Ann Turner were charged separately with adultery and fornication. In February 1827, Ann Turner was tried and found not guilty by the jury, and the county prosecutor dropped the charges against Andrew Turner.

Sally BRYAN (or HICKMAN) Charged With Adultery (1828)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in August 1828 Sally Bryan was charged with adultery and fornication. James W. Lacey, Joshua Allen, Barney Russell and John ?Bancomice? posted her bond for $50 for her to appear before the next term of court. In February 1829, she appeared in court under the name Sally Hickman. The jury heard the case and found her not guilty.

Bridget CORCORAN Granted Divorce (1900)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 45 (December 1899 - December 1900), in December 1900 (case #6941), Bridget Corcoran was granted a divorce from Thomas Corcoran. The petition stated that they were married in 1869 in Marion County, and that in 1878, Thomas had abandoned her and their 5 children, not contributing anything to her for support or maintenance.

Sarah TOUT Sues Benjamin N. MOBERLY For Breach of Marriage Contract (1839)

As appears in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 2 (October 1835 - September 1839), in March 1839 Basil Tout (on behalf of Sarah Tout) sued Benjamin N. Moberly for breach of marriage contract. Later that month the case was dismissed.

NOTE: Also in March 1839, Sarah Tout filed a case against Benjamin N. Moberly under the bastardy law (which dealt with getting payment from biological fathers for the care and support of illegitimate children). The bastardy case was also later dismissed after agreement by both parties.

Melvina (EDWARDS) COCKERELL Granted Divorce (1900)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 45 (December 1899 - December 1900), in December 1900 (case #6962), Melvina Cockerell was granted a divorce from Thomas Cockerell. The petition stated that they were married April 5, 1891, and separated some time in the fall of 1891, and had not lived together since. Melvina also alleged that ever since their marriage, Thomas had neglected to make any provision for her support and maintenance. She stated that she was a lifelong resident of Hendricks County, whose name before marriage was Melvina Edwards. In granting the divorce, the court also granted her request to restore her maiden name.

Memorial for James G. MILES (1898)

Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 42 (March 1898 - February 1899) includes a memorial for lawyer James G. Miles, who died March 15, 1898. He was born July 2, 1827 in Parke County, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar in 1849 in Clay County, Indiana after having studied at law at Bloomington, Indiana. He married Susan J. Wade on November 12, 1850 in Franklin County, Kentucky. They had 14 children, 5 of whom died in infancy. The others - 7 daughters and 2 sons - survived, along with the widow.

In the Civil War, he joined Company M of the 71st Indiana Regiment (also known as the 6th Indiana Cavalry) and eventually was elevated to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (at Pulaski, Tennessee he was "pro marshal"). He was discharged on September 15, 1865. In October 1863, his family moved from Clay County to Danville, Hendricks County. When he was discharged in 1865, he joined them there, and he lived in Danville ever since.

While in Danville, he practiced law and served as a deputy in the county clerk and county auditor's offices. He also served in the House of Representatives in the Indiana legislature in the 1881 session.

The memorial notes:

"As a lawyer he was studious and painstaking. His practice was entirely on the civil side and largely in matters probate. He had the respect and goodwill of the bar and many friends in the community at large. As a citizen he stood well among us. The large number of children he reared and their character and worth, is a testimonial of a high order to his worth as a parent and citizen."

Verne C. WALTON Adopted By Rachel PARKER (1900)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 45 (December 1899 - December 1900), in November 1900 Rachel C. Parker petitioned the court to adopt Verne C. Walton as her heir at law. John G. Walton and Cora Walton, the biological parents of Verne, filed their consent to the adoption. The court noted that Rachel was a "maiden relative" of Verne and approved the adoption, noting that his name would remain Verne C. Walton and he would remain in the sole care and custody of his biological parents.

Joshua ALLEN Charged With Bigamy (1829)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book Volume 1 (October 1824 - April 1835), in August 1829 Joshua Allen was charged with bigamy. He was ordered to a pay $150 bond to appear in court, and Hampton Pennington was the surety on the bond. In April 1830, the county prosecutor dropped the charges against him.

NOTE: According to Hendricks County marriage records, Joshua Allen married Jane Turner in August 1827.

Joshua PICKETT and Christena MARSHALL Charged With Adultery (1856)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Court of Common Pleas Order Book Volume 2 (February 1856 - November 1857), in February 1856 Joshua Pickett and Christena Marshall were charged with adultery. In May 1856, the county prosecutor came before the court and said they were no longer being prosecuted, and the case was dismissed.

Curtis KING Cited For Adultery, Barbarous Treatment in Divorce (1840)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 3 (April 1840 - April 1843), in April 1840 Hannah King was granted a divorce from Curtis King. The court found Curtis King guilty of committing adultery with Rebecca Harper, and he was also cited for "barbarous" treatment of Hannah. Curtis was found to be the owner of lands valued at $3,500 and personal effects valued at $500. Hannah was awarded 1/3 of the land, the same as if she were his widow.

Washington Township 1886 Landowners Index Added

An index to landowners in Washington Township in 1886 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is of the Hendricks County Assessor's plat book, which was used to determine how much property tax the landowner owed each year.

John MARTIN Applies To Become Naturalized Citizen (1840)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), on 12 October 1840 John Martin filed his declaration of intent to become a naturalized citizen and to revoke his allegiance to Germany. He stated that he was born in March 1812 in Allendorff, Germany and in March 1836, at age 24, he departed from Bremen and arrived at the port of Baltimore on 1 May 1836. He had resided in Indiana for 2 years and 9 months prior to his application.

John Adam PREBSTER Applies To Become Naturalized Citizen (1845)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), on 14 October 1845 John Adam Prebster, a native of the dukedom of Saxe Weimar in Germany and a farmer by occupation, filed his declaration of intent to become a naturalized citizen. He stated that in December 1803 he departed from the port of Hamburg in Germany and was age 24 when he arrived at the port of Philadelphia in April 1804.

John LINGERMANN Becomes Naturalized Citizen (1846)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), in April 1846 John Lingermann was made a naturalized citizen. A declaration of intention had been filed in the Hendricks Circuit Court more than 2 years before. Robert Ragan and Thomas Samuels testified that Lingermann had resided in Indiana for more than 5 years prior to the application. Lingermann renounced his allegiance to Wilhelm, prince of Hesse Cassel.

James LAMBERT Applies To Become Naturalized Citizen (1845)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), in October 1845 James Lambert filed his declaration of intent to become a naturalized citizen and to revoke his allegiance to Great Britain.

Middle Township 1886 Landowners Index Added

An index to landowners in Middle Township in 1886 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is of the Hendricks County Assessor's plat book, which was used to determine how much property tax the landowner owed each year.

Adultery Case Dropped Against Christian C. & Mary MILLER (1846)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), in April 1845 Christian C. Miller and Mary Miller (aka Mary Silley) were charged with adultery. In April 1846 the county prosecutor dismissed the case, after having looked in Marion County and Bartholomew County to have the papers served to the defendants.

Isabel CRUTCHEY Acquitted of Adultery (1845)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), in October 1844 Isabel Crutchey was indicted for committing adultery. John Triggs, Aaron Gamble and William Harris were among those on the prosecutor's witness list. In April 1845 the trial was held and the judge found her not guilty.

Hendricks County Officials Fined For Failure to Return Marriage Certificates (1840's)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 4 (October 1843 - April 1846), several officials were prosecuted under the law for failure to return completed marriage certificates to the county clerk:

• Benjamin B. Arnold - he was found guilty and fined $5.
• John Atler - his case was dismissed by the county prosecutor.
• Richard Barnes - pled guilty and was fined $30.
• Elisha W. Cadwell - pled guilty to 2 counts and was fined $5 per count.
• Thomas Cadwell - his 2 counts were dismissed by the county prosecutor.
• Isaac Crawford - his case was dismissed by the county prosecutor.
• Hiram Griggs - his case was dismissed by the county prosecutor.
• Thomas Harper - pled guilty and was fined $5.
• John Hooton - pled guilty to 4 counts and was fined $10, $15, $15 and $20, respectively.
• Benjamin Malone - pled guilty and was fined $15.
• Jacob Reynearson - pled guilty and was fined $5.
• Benjamin R. Smith - pled guilty and was fined $10.
• Basil Tout - his case was dismissed by the county prosecutor.
• Obediah Tincher - pled guilty on 2 counts and was fined $15 and $20, respectively; the other count was dismissed by the county prosecutor.

Hendricks County Officials Prosecuted for Failure to Return Marriage Certificates (1849)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 5 (October 1846 - October 1849), several officials were prosecuted under the law for failure to return completed marriage certificates to the county clerk:

• Joseph A. Martin - the county prosecutor dismissed the case in September 1847.
• Nathan Meredith - the county prosecutor dismissed the case in September 1847.
• Nathan Waters - pled guilty in March 1848 and was fined $10.
• Jacob Reynerson - pled guilty in March 1848 and was fined $15.
• Berry Burks - pled guilty to 2 counts in April 1849 and was fined $5 per count.

Charles ROACH Dismisses Divorce Suit, Criticizes Indiana Legislature (1852)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 6 (April 1850 - March 1853), on 28 September 1852 a dismissal was filed by Charles L. Roach in his petition for divorce against Elizabeth Roach. The dismissal included this sharply-worded denunciation of the Indiana General Assembly (which had the power to establish when the court terms would be held each year):

"Charles L. Roach, the plaintiff in the above entitled cause, being desirous of leaving this state and having no desire to ever return to the same again, and, owing to the gross ignorance of the members of the late legislature of Indiana, in so legislating, that thereby no court can be held in this county this fall, therefore I, the undersigned, hereby dismiss the above entitled suit at my own costs, and said Clerk will enter this order of dismissal on the order books of said court, Sept. 18th, 1852.

Charles Roach, Plaintiff
Attest C.C. Nave, his solicitor"

George FLASHMAN Becomes Naturalized Citizen (1848)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 5 (October 1846 - October 1849), in March 1848 George Flashman showed that he had filed a declaration of his intent to become a citizen more than 2 years before. James Green and John Pearcy testified that Flashman has lived in Indiana for more than 5 years. Flashman renounced his allegiance to Louis the first King of Berne and was proclaimed naturalized.

Zerilda WILLIAMS Delivers Illegitimate Child (1848)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 5 (October 1846 - October 1849), in March 1848 Zerilda Williams filed a complaint of bastardy against Levi Coleman. The complaint stated that on 25 January 1848 she gave birth to a male bastard child and that Levi Coleman was the father. In September 1848, Zerilda Hamilton (formerly Zerilda Williams) along with Samuel Hamilton, signed an affidavit dismissing the case.

Nancy JORDAN and James DUGAN Guilty of Adultery (1850)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 6 (April 1850 - March 1853), in April 1850 Nancy Jordan and James Dugan were charged with adultery. They were tried separately - Nancy Jordan was found guilty by the judge and fined $20; James Dugan was found guilty and fined $50. Nancy Jordan was unable to pay the fine and the court ordered her discharged from the sheriff's custody.

Directory of Hendricks County Doctors 1899 Added

An index of doctors in Hendricks County who had licenses from the state in 1899 has been added to the Directories section of the Hendricks County GenWeb site. This listing of doctors was extracted from The Second Annual Report of the Indiana State Board of Medical Registration and Examination For The Year Ending December 31, 1898 and December 31, 1899 (Indianapolis: William B. Burford, 1900)