Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1904 — MARRIAGE A LA MODE [ARTICLE]

MARRIAGE A LA MODE

Each of a Oouple, Having Parted, “Understands” the Other Gets a Divorce. LEGAL TANGLE IS THE SEQUEL Home Bank at Goodland Cannot Pro* cure Cash and Closes Its Doors—State News. r Muncie, Ind., June 17.—The courts may be called upon to straighten out a matrimonial tangle which the county recorder is now endeavoring to settle. A few years ago Miss Allie Frazee, of Shideler, was married to William Studebaker, of the same place, who left her soon afterward, it is said, and went to Missouri, where he married another woman, with the understanding “that ills first wife had secured a divorce.” Mrs. Studebaker No. 1 hearing tlntf her first husband had obtained a decree of separation in aouri, had been married to Joseph Miller, also of Shideler. Result of Rockies* Re-Marriage. A few days ago Studebaker appeared In Shideler with his Missouri wife, and then it was discovered, for the first time, that neither Studebaker nor bis first wife had ever secured a divorce. Mrs. Studebaker - Miller, therefore, had two husbands, and Studebßker had two wives. On learning of this state of affairs, both Studebaker and Miller, it is said, left the state. In the meantime, and before her second marriage, Mrs. Studebaker had sold a plat of ground to Reuben Miunich, a farmer, and in making out the deed had stated that she was a single woman. Minnicb now wants the title cleared, since the woman was not single at the time the deed was drawn, and Mrs. Studebaker is trying to help him, though she does not know just what course to pursue. Lawyers Will Profit Thereby. Apparently, to make the deed legal, the signature of her first and real busband, William Studebaker, is necessary, but he and his second wife have not left their address. Lawyers who have been consulted say they never heard of a similar case, and are unwilling to advise in the premises. Although the case has gone no further than the county recorder's office as yet it is prolKihle that it will revert to the courts for settlement. There is no hint of criminal prosecution, as it is said that both Studebaker and his wife acted in good faith in remarrying. neither having criminal intent.