Divorce Papers of Elisha Whiting Sr.

Some family records note that Elisha Sr. (grandfather to Edwin) died at about age 25, sometime between 1788 and 1790, leaving Susannah a widow. The following document tells a different story, namely that Elisha disappeared, and Susannah filed for divorce in 1792.

“To the Honorable the Superior Court to be held in Hartford in and for the County of Hartford on the second Tuesday of February Anno Domini 1792.

The Petition of Susannah Whiting of Hartford in said county humbly speaketh

That on the 25th day of March, AD 1784, she was married unto Elisha Whiting then of said Hartford, that the said Elisha more than three years since, for reasons unknown, willfully deserted the Petitioner and his children in a suffering condition, that he hath ever since continued to abscond in parts unknown, without ever informing where he may be found, or affording the Petitioner the least means of support, that she hath ever since by every possible exertion, just for said means, with the assistance of her Charitable Friends to prevent any further charges.

That she hath every reason to believe from credible reports and letters written by the said Elisha to Strangers, that he is married again in some of the Southern States without the least design of returning again, or having the remotest regard to the Petitioner or his children. wherefore she humbly prays your Honor’s gracious considerations in the premises and to grant her a Bill of Divorce from her marriage contract with the said Elisha and she as in duty bound shall ______ . Dated at Hartford the 14th day of February Anno Domini 1792.”

Source: Film # is FHL 1,635,918. Divorce Papers 1755-1803 for Hartford, CT

This reference was found by Louise Bea, SanFrancisco, Calif., 2007