Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bonesteel, S. D. --John Herron, a homesteader north of here, thought to evade the federal laws limiting one family to one claim of 160 acres. Though two children had been born to his wife he was not deterred. A divorce was received and then his wife was free to take out another claim of 160 acres which she did, taking the quarter adjoining Herron's. They built a house so that half was on the woman's claim and half on the man's. Then they lived, each on the claim taken,but were under the same roof and the childen were as well cared for. They were to remarry when the woman secured her patent and the family would be $6,000 ahead. When all seemed lovely a neighbor, whose name is unobtainable, began courting the woman, and now she has married him in the helpless indignation of Herron, who has lost both wife and land. --May 10, 1904 Ypsilanti Evening Press

2 comments :

Sandy D. said...

This sounds like a great topic for a historical novel.

Speaking of which, you might enjoy "Eden Springs", by Laura Kasischke - it's set in Benton Harbor in the first couple decades of the 20th c. ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7384078-eden-springs )

Dusty D said...

It does, doesn't it?--such a strange story. Thank you for the book suggestion--I admire Laura Kasischke's work and this sounds like a great read. I'll pick it up!