The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa Thursday, October 11, 1900 DEBBIE EDWARDS vs. A.E. SCOTT. The parties were formerly wife and husband, the plaintiff securing a divorce from defendant at the March term of the Decatur County District Court. They had two children, MATTIE, aged 13 years and ETHEL, 8 years of age. The plaintiff had the custody of the children until Aug. 27, 1900, when she made arrangements to go to Nebraska to live with her present husband, when the defendant threatened her life if she took the girls with her and she let defendant take the children. She alleges defendant is not a proper person to care for the children and that the girls do not wish to stay with their father. Plaintiff states she is in a position to care for, support and educate the girls, and asks the court to issue an order giving her the custody of her children. Geo. W. Baker, attorney for plaintiff. ~ ~ ~ ~ The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa November 15, 1900 There was quite a lively scene in the court room Saturday afternoon when Judge Towner rendered his decision in the case of MRS. DEBBIE EDWARDS vs. A.E. SCOTT. The parties were at one time married, but MRS. SCOTT secured a divorce, afterwards marrying EDWARDS, her present husband. SCOTT and his wife had two children, both girls, and when the decree of divorce was granted, nothing was said as to who should have the custody of the girls. Recently MRS. EDWARDS brought suit for the custody of the girls and when both sides made their showing to Judge Towner he decided that neither the father or the mother were fit persons to care for the children and refused to give them to either of them. When he rendered his decision, both man and woman started for the children and when they met there was a rough and tumble fight until the court officers could get to them and separate them. Afterwards Marion Woodard was appointed guardian for the girls and he will endeavor to find a home for them. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert  ~ January 9, 2003

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