Documents found in the record books held at the W

Documents found in the record books held at the W. S. Hoole Collection at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa:

Book 4480-Final Record Chancery Court Records from the spring of 1844 to the spring of 1847

#61

Catherine W. Scott by her friend, John S. Shackelford vs. Adam C. Scott

Catherine Williams Scott formerly Catherine Williams Shackleford by her father and next friend, John S. Shackelford of Marengo County that on the 25^th day of July 1833 a marriage was solemnized between your Oritrix and Adam C. Scott. At the time of the marriage your oratrix resided with her father who was then and still is a man of reduced circumstances with a large family dependant upon his daily labor for their support and maintenance and he was totally unable to contribute anything to the advancement of your oratrix and the said defendant, nor did the said Scott have any property, but as he pretended to be a skilful mechanic and as your Oratrix was fully persuaded that he was a sober discreet industrious and worthy man, She did not doubt that by diligence and economy she and her said husband would provide for themselves comfort and independence. That at the time your Oratrix consented to, and did become the wife of said defendant she felt received in the possession of his love, affection and esteem which was reciprocated by her most devoted attachment and dutiful obedience, and with such appearances your Oratrix anticipated the happiness and tranquility which could result from a union thus cemented by natural fondness. But brief was the period in which she was permitted to indulge the confidence, for but a few days after their marriage to her extreme mortification, she was alarmed by evidences of her husbands disposition to an intemperate use of ardent spirits, but still though vainly she maintained a strict

observance in her part of every conjugal duty and affectionate deportment toward him, to restrain his excesses…

When every hope was dissipated of reclaiming him from the vicious habits did she flee his dwelling and seek under her father’s roof security and protection against the barbarous treatment of a man who having subdued every kind invitation of the human heart melted in the fury of the most hateful person. That from the date of their marriage the cursing of his beastly appetite seemed to increase with each succeeding day until but to all moral restraint without shame or remorse she relinquished every earthly tie in ministering to its fateful gratification.

They had two children; Arthur about 6 years old and Robert about 3 years old. Since her separation from the defendant she has contributed to the support of her family by work with the needle in which she is skilful.

Divorce decree was granted in 1847