Background: This was the first breach of promise lawsuit in Delaware County. Plaintiff Jerusha Foote brought an action of $5,000  in damages for Breach of Promise of Marriage against Harry Newell.  The jury awarded the plaintiff three thousand dollars and six cents.

Excerpt from section 1:

"Last week the Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer, were held in this Village by Mr. Justice Van Ness. the most important and interesting cause that was tried, was that of JERUSHA FOOT against HARRY NEWELL, for breach of promise of marriage.  The damages were laid in the declaration of $5,000.  It appeared that the defendant first became acquainted with the plaintiff in the winter of 1816, 17 when he taught school in the district where the plaintiff resided, and in the course of the winter attended her to balls, parties, &c....

"...In December, it could no longer be concealed that the plaintiff had become a victim to the arts of the defendant, who, to the non-performance of his engagements, had been guilty of the baseness of superadding the crime of seduction....

"He seemed to yield to his invitation--visited her twice--his manner changed as one who was soon to become a member of the family.  Soon after, however, report came that the defendant was about to leave the County...the defendant said he had concluded to have a wedding..."

Newspaper courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753.

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