State: Florida Year: 1836
Location: Monroe Location Type: County
Abstract: Because of her husband's cruel and harsh treatment, Eliza Patterson seeks a divorce from Alexander Patterson of Key West. Shortly after their marriage in December 1832, Alexander brought a seventeen-year-old girl into their house and lived with her in "criminal connection." He also forced Eliza to sign a bill of sale for her slave, "her private property, of the value of $300." She asks for a divorce, the return of her slave, the return of household furniture worth $1,000, and proper support for herself and her child.
You may contact the county or the state to request the full record of this legal action.
The Digital Library on American Slavery, website University of North Carolina at Greensboro