Aberdeen Divorce case
(Special Telegram)

Edinburgh, Saturday  
Lord Stormonth Darling heard evidence for an action for divorce, by David Howie, builder, residing at 198 George Street, Aberdeen, against his wife, Elizabeth Wilson, or Howie, whose present address is unknown to the pursuer.  

Pursuer said he was 41 years of age.  He had been in America, Australia and Africa.  On his return he had been married to defender in Aberdeen in May 1894.  After a few days they went to Johannesburg.  The Jamieson raid came on, and defender, on account of the unsettled condition of the country, wanted to come home. She and her child accordingly came home in January 1896, and he followed five weeks later.  he purchased a house in Mid Stocket Road and furnished it.  His wife was to keep lodgers.  About March 1989 he went back to Johannesburg.  Defender wanted him not to stay away more than three years, and he said he would not be more than five years.

He corresponded with her regularly, and sent her money - never less than £20 and sometimes as much as £50 a month.  He returned to this country in 1899.  His wife and two children met him at Aberdeen Station. He thought she was strange, and when they got home he thought her stranger still.  

That night after they were in bed two men came to the house inquiring for the defender and another woman.  A few days afterwards he was locked out, and was directed by a neighbour to a house where he found his wife.  She wanted to go away.  On 15th June, 1899, she left him.  He had been in South Africa since.  He got a letter from her in which she said she had made up her mind to leave him, and that if he wanted divorce he might have it.  Her people at Cults did not know where defender was.  The summons was served upon her in Montreal.

Decree was given.

Elsie Wilson had a sister Elisabeth, born 1870, who may, or may not, be the Elisabeth Wilson referred to in this report.

 

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