Chapter 77, Section 14. Hester Ann and Robert Campbell. That the bonds of matrimony heretofore existing between Hester Ann Campbell, of Clayton county, in the territory of Iowa, and Robert Campbell, of said county, be and they are hereby dissolved, and that the said Hester Ann Campbell shall hereafter be known by the name of Hester Ann Grifeth.
16th day of February, A.D., 1843
~"Acts & Resolutions Passed at the Several Sessions of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, 1840-1846" (Google books)
~contributed by S. Ferrall

To John Loyed.
Sir: You are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the District Court in Clayton county, Iowa, a petition of Jane Loyed, claiming a divorce from you, and that if you do not appear and answer thereto on or before the morning of the second day of the next term of the District Court, a decree will be rendered against you thereon. Jane Loyed.
by O.F. Stevens, Att'y.
~Garnavillo Herald, April 14, 1854
~contributed by S. Ferrall

Philips - Samuel S. Philips vs. Juliana Philips. Petition for Divorce. Decree granted as prayed for by Petitioner

Scott - Elizabeth Scott vs. James E. Scott. Petition for Divorce. Decree granted as prayed for by Petitioner.

Brooks - Sarah Brooks vs. Alvin Brooks. Petition for Divorce. Continued for publication.

Stevens - Calvin Stevens vs. Anna M. Stevens. Petition for Divorce. Default of defendant. Continued.

Emerson - Joseph A. Emerson vs. Elizabeth Emerson. Petition for Divorce. Default by def't. Decree granted as prayed for.

Schumacher - Sophrina Schumacher vs. Conrad Shumacher. Petition for Divorce. Divorce granted - plaintiff allowed the custody of the minor child mentioned in Petition until further ordered by this court, and $100 per annum, payable quarterly for the support of said child; this allowance to continue so long as the child shall remain in her custody. Judgment against defendant for costs.

~Clayton County Herald, Garnavillo, IA; Friday, June 1, 1855
~contributed by S. Ferrall

NOTICE. Whereas my sife Magdalena Ruff has left my bed and board on Oct. 6th, A.D. 1856. This is to notify all persons not to harbor or trust hereon my account; as I shall pay no debts of her contracting after this date.
McGregor, Iowa, Feb. 1, 1857. Xavier Ruff.
~North Iowa Times; McGregor; Friday, February 6, 1857

Related info.:
- Xavier Ruff & Magdeline Keiger were married in Jo Daviess, ILL on 1/8/1855 (Marriage index, Illinois, U.S.; Ancestry database online)
- She may have remarried to Adam Hammal / Hamil in Hancock co., IL on 3/21/1861 with the name Eleanor or Magdalene Ruf / Ruff (Illinois county marriages; Ancestry database online)

~contributed by S. Ferrall

Becker - Nancy Becker vs Lysander Becker. Divorce - dismissed at cost of Deft.

Woodell - William G. Woodell vs Rachel M. Woodell. Divorce. Dismissed.

Wood - Thomas W. Wood vs Elizabeth Wood. Divorce. Continued

Tuefel - J.A. Tuefel vs Ann C.C. Tuefel. Divorce. Continued

Curtis - Sophia M. Curtis vs B.F. Curtis. Divorce. Default decree prayed for. Ordered that the deft. pay to S.S. Ainsworth the sum of Fifty dollars as attorneys fees for service rendered plaintiff

Van Sickle - Marilla Van Sickle vs Martin Van Sickle. Divorce. Decree as prayed for in petition.

~Clayton County Journal, Guttenberg, IA; May 27, 1858
~contributed by S. Ferrall

To Abba Jane Bates.
MADAM, you are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the clerk of the District Court of Clayton County, Iowa, a petition of Selah Bates, claiming of you a divorce from the bonds of matrimony, now existing between you and the said Selah Bates, and that unless you appear and answer thereto on or before the morning of the second day of the next term of the District Court of said county a decree will be rendered against you in suit accordingly.
BAUGH & STONEMAN, Attys.’ For Plantiff
~Clayton County Journal, Garnavillo, Iowa, Tuesday, April 26th, 1859
~contributed by Cheryl (Locher) Moonen

Original Notice.
To Eliza Thomson,
Madam: You are hereby notified that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Clayton County, Iowa, a petition of James Thomson claiming of you a divorce from the bonds of matrimony - For cause of willful dissertion for the space of two years and unless you appear and answer thereto on or before the morning of the second day of the next term of said District Court, to be holden in said County on the 19th day of September A.D. 1859, judgment will be rendered against you thereon.
Murdock & Scott, Attys for Plaintiff.

Let this notice be published for four consecutive weeks in the Clayton County Journal.
T. Updegraff, Clerk.
~Clayton County Journal, Garnavillo; August 25, 1859
~contributed by S. Ferrall

Original Notice.
To Thomas Daugherty, Defendant:
You are hereby notified that on or before the 10th of January, 1867, a Petition will be filed by said Plaintiff, Mary J. Daugherty, in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of Clayton County, Iowa, claiming of you a divorce from the bonds of matrimony on the ground of inhuman treatment. And unless you appear thereto and defend before noon of the second day of the next term of said Court, commencing on the 21st day of January 1867, Default will be entered against you and judgment rendered thereon.
Murdock & Scott, Attys for Plaintiff.

Dated this 10th day of December, 1866
Mary Daugherty, PPlf.
By A.J. Jordan, her Attorney
~Clayton County Journal, Garnavillo; December 12, 1866; page 2
~contributed by S. Ferrall

Tann - Wm. H. Tann vs Martha Tann. Decree of divorce.

Thompson - Hannah M. Thompson vs John Thompson for divorce - settled

Patch - Maria Patch vs Wallace W. Patch, submitted to the court, decree of divorce granted, plaintiff to have the custody of the minor children.

Harrold - Maria E. Harrold vs Frank Harrold. Divorce granted.

Penniman - James H. Penniman vs Lydia S. Penniman. Divorce granted.

Patterson - John A. Patterson vs Sarah Jane Patterson. Divorce granted.

Scott - J.P. Scott vs Sarah Scott. Divorce granted.

~Clayton County Journal, Garnavillo, IA, Wednesday, May 29, 1867
~contributed by S. Ferrall

Notice - My wife, Mary Horstmann, having left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, I hereby warn all persons not to trust her on my account, as I will pay no debts contracted by her after this date. (signed) Christian Horstmann, Elkport, Iowa, 25th Feb. 1881
~Elkader Register, Fri., 4 Mar. 1881. Elkport Locals column
~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

Notice- All persons are hereby notified not to credit my wife, Mary Bolsinger, on my account, as she has left my bed and board, and I will not pay any debts of her contracting after this date. (Signed) Joseph Bolsinger, January 9th, 1882
~Elkader Register, Fri., 13 Jan. 1882
~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

Notes: Petition in Equity, Catherine (Born Thomson) Schoellerman v. Frederick Schoellerman
no communication since 1885. Send notice to Marvin Cook, Huron, Beadle Co. S. Dak. Mrs. S. and Henry Oelke are all the witnesses necessary

Catharine M. Schoelermann vs. Fritz Schoelerman
Married in the year 1851 in Schleswig Holstein, and came to Clayton County in 1854, and they resided here till July 10 1885 when Schoellerman went to Dakota and without cause has absented himself for 5 years and has contributed nothing to her support.

In the District Court of Clayton County, Catharine M. Schollerman vs. Fritz Schollerman, Petition in Equity, dated August ? 1890

The plaintiff states:
1. That she has been a resident of Clayton County, Iowa, since the year 1854 and still resides there.
2. That this application is not made through fear or restraint or out of any levity, but in sincerity and solely for the purpose set forth in this petition.
3. That in the year 1851 in Schlewig Holstein in Europe, she was married to the defendant.
4. That since the said marriage she has conducted herself towards the defendant as a loving and obedient wife.
5. That the defendant disregarding his duties as a husband heretofore to wit; in the month of July 1885 willfully deserted the plaintiff and has absented himself without a reasonable cause for the space of five years.
6. The plaintiff therefore demands that she may be divorced from the bonds of matrimony with said defendant and that she may have such other and further relief in the premises as may be deemed equitable.

State of Iowa
Clayton County
I, Catherine M. Schollerman, having been duly sworn, say that I am the plaintiff in the foregoing petition and have heard it read and know its contents and the allegations thereof are true as I truly believe. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of Aug. 1890

~contributed by Judy Moyna

DURLAND - Samantha Ann Durland vs. John Durland. Divorce. Sperry township, Default. Divorce granted with custody of minor child.

ROLOFF - Emma Roloff vs. Chas. A. Roloff, divorce, Monona. Default. Divorce granted plaintiff with custody of son. Plaintiff to have Monona property and household goods.

DOWNING - Alvina Downing vs. Frank Downing. Divorce, Mendon township. - continued

SEITZ - Ethel B. Seitz vs. Clarence Seitz. Divorce, Monona. Default. Divorce granted plaintiff with custody of minor child.

BRANDENBURG - Louisa Brandenburg vs. J.C. Brandenburg. Divorce. Millville township. Default. Divorce granted. Judgment against defendant for costs and attorney fees for plaintiff.

LOVE - Mabel Love vs. Harry Love. Divorce. Mendon township. Default. Divorce granted. Plaintiff to resume maiden name of Mabel Rickliff.

DUNCAN - Lee L. Duncan vs. Lettie C. Duncan. Divorce. Strawberry Point. - continued for service.

WAREHAM - Rose E. Wareham vs. Con. L. Wareham. Divorce. Volga township. Default. Divorce granted plaintiff with custody of minor child. Judgment against defendant for costs and attorney fee.

~Register & Argus, Thursday, September 16, 1915, pg 1
~contributed by S. Ferrall

The divorce case of Loren E. Buttolph vs. Emma Buttolph held the attention of the district court all day yesterday. The plaintiff resides in Postville, while the defendant has made her home in Arizona for the past four years. She is accompanied here by her attorney, John Van Buskirk of Arizona, who is assisted by D.J. Murphy in her defense. Burling & Burling appear for the plaintiff. The evidence brings up a contract signed in 1914 in which Mrs. Buttolph is alleged to have accepted the sum of $10,000, in return for which she was to drop divorce proceedings which she had commenced at that time, and agree to live with him. The parties lived together only a few months after the signing of this agreement. Two daughters were in attendance at the trial and one of them took the stand in behalf of her father. Mr. Buttolph is said to possess somethin over $20,000 worth of property. the court granted Mr. B. a divorce, but allowed Mrs. B. nothing on her claim for alimony.
~originally printed in the Waukon Republican, re-printed in the Monona Leader, Thurs. Sept. 25, 1919, pg 1
~contributed by S. Ferrall

In The District Court of Iowa And For Clayton County Petition for Equity for Divorce
Ruth S. Enders Vs Mike Theodore Enders

For her claim and cause of action and grounds for divorce and other equitable relief, plaintiff states:-
1. She is now and has been continuously for many years last past and actual bona fide resident of Mendon Township, Clayton County, Iowa and such residence has not been for the purpose of obtaining a divorce.
2. Plaintiff and defendant were married at Monona, Clayton County, Iowa November 13, 1913, and are now husband and wife; and plaintiff has at all time conducted herself towards defendant as a faithful, loving, and dutiful wife, and has in no way at any time violated her obligation to the defendant as such.
3. There was born to the plaintiff and defendant as a result of such marriage three children; Earl, born December 27, 1915; June born June 12, 1918; and Gregory, born February 23, 1921; all of which said children are now being cared for at Children’s Orphan Home at Davenport, Iowa; because of the failure of defendant to support and provide a home for them and plaintiff, and because of his neglect, cruelty and ill temperament of said children and plaintiff has at no permanently surrendered her custody and control of said children, and is anxious and willing, when her circumstances will permit to resume the permanent care and support of said children.
4. Defendant in violation of his marriage vows has, since contracting marriage with the plaintiff, become a habitual drunkard, and has also been guilty of such cruel and inhuman treatment toward plaintiff and toward minor children of plaintiff and defendant as to wholly destroy plaintiff’s happiness, peace of mind, and enjoyment of live, and ruined and undermine her health and endanger her life.
5. Neither party to this suit has any property whatsoever other than their respective personal earnings, and a small quantity of household goods, furniture and personal belongings.
6. Defendant is an able bodied man capable of earning satisfactory wages and salary and does earn, when employed, good wage amply sufficient to support plaintiff and said children but dissipated some in drunkenness, debauchery, idling and other extravagancies.

Wherefore:
Plaintiff prays that the bonds of matrimony now and heretofore existing between herself and the defendant be dissolved, and that plaintiff be absolutely and unconditionally divorced from defendant and that the custody of the aforesaid minor children be award to plaintiff; and that it be further established, adjudged and decreed that defendant is capable of earning sufficient money to support and maintain said children, and that he be adjudged unconditionally liable therefore such sums and as may be equitable between the parties and for protection of the right and interest of said children, and the plaintiff have judgment for temporary and permanent alimony in such sums as the court may fix and determine including attorney fees, preparation for (unreadable) case, and taxable court costs, and (unreadable) necessary and proper disbursements herein, and for such other and further relief in the promises as may be equitable.
(signature) William S. Hart
Attorney for Plaintiff
State of Wis.
(Unreadable) County

SS

Ruth S. Enders being sworn says:
That the plaintiff named in the foregoing petition and know contents of said petition, and that allegations thereof are true and she verity believes.
(signature) Ruth S. Enders
Subscribed and sworn to before me by above subscribing affiant the 16th of October, A. D. 1924
(signature) Notary Public of Wisconsin in and for (Unreadable) County.

In The District Court Of Iowa, In and For Clayton County Affidavit For Publication of Notice
Ruth S. Enders Vs Mike Theordore Enders
State of Wis
LaCrosse County

Ruth S. Enders Being Sworn says:- That she is plaintiff in above entitled cause of action
Defendant some months prior of making this affidavit absconded from the State of Iowa, and has absented himself continuously from said state until the present tie: and is non in contemplation of law with reference to services by publications, a non-resident of State of Iowa; and personal service of original notice of above entitled cause of action cannot be made upon defendant with the State of Iowa
(signature) Ruth S. Enders.
Subscribed and sworn to before me by Ruth S. Enders this 16th of October A.D. 1924.
(signature) Notary Public of Wis in and for La Crosse.

State Of Iowa, Clayton County – ss.
I J. M. Holmes do solemnly swear, that I am editor of the GUTTENBERG PRESS, a weekly newpaper, published at Guttenberg, in said County, and I herby certify that the notice, of which the annexed is a copy, was published for four consecutive weeks in said paper, late of which was on the 13th day of November 1924
(signature J. M. Holmes) sworn and subscribed in presence this 18th day of November 1924 (signature of Notary Public)

Original notice:
In the District Court of Iowa, in and for Clayton County
Ruth s. Enders Vs Mike Theodore Enders
You are hereby notified that there will be filed November 14, 1924, in office clerk District Court Clayton County Iowa, the petition of Ruth s. Enders demanding that she be divorced from you upon the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment and that you have become a habitual drunkard, and asking custody of minor children of yourself and plaintiff, with temporary and permanent alimony, and allowances and other and further equitable relief; and unless you appear and make defense thereto of before noon of the second day of next term of court which convenes at Elkader in said County; November 24, 1924; default will taken against you and judgment and decree rendered as pray for in petition.
Oct 28-Nov 13
William S. Hart. Attorney for Plaintiff

~contributed by Lisa Woiwood

SCHMIDT
Donald P. Schmidt was granted a divorce from Helen Schmidt Saturday, June 4, on a charge of cruel and inhuman treatment. Judge W. H. Antes of West Union heard the case.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 9 June 1949

--- ---

OLSON
A divorce was granted June 13th in the case of Lola H. Olson vs. Melvin A. Olson on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 23 June 1949.

--- ---

GERAGHTY
A divorce was granted in the case of Rose Mary Geraghty vs. Robert John Geraghty on Monday.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 30 June 1949

1949
Divorces granted in October

MANN
A divorce was granted to during the week of Oct. 1-8, according to R. M. Downing, Clerk:
The divorce was granted to Dorothy L. and Erwin W. Mann on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 13 Oct. 1949

--- ---

KROLL
One divorce was granted during the week ending Saturday, Oct. 14, according to R. M. Downing, Clerk:
The divorce was granted Monday to Mary Ann Kroll, who charged Willy J. Kroll with cruel and inhuman treatment.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 20 Oct. 1949.

--- ---

COON
One divorce was granted during the week from October 15-22, according to R. M. Downing, clerk:
Louise M. Coon was granted a divorce from Edwin L. Coon, Friday in the court of G. B. Richter, on charges of cruel and inhuman treatment.
~Clayton County Register, Thur., 27 Oct. 1949

~contributed by Reid R. Johnson