divorce record

BROWN

Posted By: susan stump (email)
Date: 3/29/2024 at 11:33:13

Looking for documentation of divorce of Nathaniel "Nathan" Brown and Malinda Brown in Jefferson county Iowa on Dec. 6 1871.

Summary letter from Bureau of Pensions
... formerly of Co. F, 85th, and Co. C, 16th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who died October 14, 1903, at his hom in Alexandria, Thayer Co., Nebraska.
The public records of Peoria County, Illinois, show the marriage of the claimant, "Miss Malinda Brown", and the soldier, "Phillip Bricka", on September 2, 1871. The evidence shows that the soldier was not previously married.
The claimant it appears had been twice previously married. Her first bond is evidenced by the public records of Tazewell County, Illinois, which show that "Andrew Westhofer" and "Malinda Chamberlin" were married on April 21, 1861. The death of this husband is shown to have occured at Tremont, Ill., on March 11, 1867 [Other document: of consumption].
The public records of Peoria County, Ill., show the mariiage of "Nathan Brown" and "Mrs. Malinda Westhofer" on September 6, 1867. Brown had been once previously married, but that wife, claimant states, died, before her marriage to him...
... I found out by my sister, Nancy Brown, that he [Nathan Brown] had gone to someplace in Iowa... and married another woman...
...it was discovered that said second husband [Nathan Brown] of claimant subsequenttly was granted a divorce from her in the District Court of Jefferson Co. Iowa... 6th of December, 1871...
...at the time of Brown's supposed remarriage to one Jane Collins.
[Though not a legally binding marriage at the time to Phillip Bricka because of current marriage not divorced, the state did recognize Malinda as Phillps husband besides the technicalities of the dates.]. thanks you!