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. (Eventually, Harry changed his mind and married Jerusha. They had one child.)

Excerpt from section 4:

"..it is hoped that it will be the last, and that the example will deter others from the perpetration of this most exquisite of all injuries to a delicate mind--that it will teach the young men of Delaware that the marriage contract is not to be trifled with--that the marriage promise should not be entered into thoughtlessly, so it should no be broken wantonly--that it is a contract the most solemn and interesting--a relation []he most important and endearing in society--Ordained by Heaven, its ties should be held sacred and indissoluble.  Whoever perverts it from its original purpose, the happiness of our race, the under colour of its solemn sanctions accomplished the ruin of an artless and worthy female, is an enemy to civil society.--His name should b[]e word and a hissing among all people.

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

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