Voice of the People: Daily Life in the Antebellum Rural Delaware County New York Area

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Family and Daily Life Homepage | Delaware Gazette: July 12, 1821:  Breach of Promise of Marriage suit brought  by "the blighted rose"

Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4


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. 


Note: The length of the story has necessitated presenting it in four sections.  There may be some repetition from one section to the next.

Excerpt from section 2:

"...On William's again visiting him, the defendant said he had concluded to have a wedding, asked what time would be agreeable,  and after various objections to the intervening days, Sunday evening the 7th of January last, was appointed--the Priest was selected to perform the ceremony--the news was joyfully received by the plaintiff-- the natural cheerfulness of her spirits returned--the preparations for the wedding went on with alacrity...

"...On Saturday previous to the day appointed for the wedding, William, at the request of the defendant told him that he had finally made up his mind not to marry the plaintiff..."

..."No defence was set up on the part of the defendant.  Not a witness was sworn...

"...The talents of Mr. Williams of Hudson, who was attending the Circuit, were enlisted on the side of the plaintiff, and he made an eloquent display of them to the delight of the crowded auditory..."


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

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