Mary Cram, Libt. versus Jonathan P. Cram

This was an application for a divorce.

The alleged cause was, that the husband had willingly absented himself from the wife for the space of three years together, without making suitable provision for her support, having it in his power so to do.

It appeared, in evidence, that soon after the marriage, and more than three years before the application, a controversy arose between the parties — that the husband, thereupon, moved, with his furniture and provisions, to the house of his father, leaving his wife so destitute that she was obliged to go to her father’s house, where she has since resided — that he had made no provision for her support from that time, and had repeatedly declared he never would — that he had a “ respectable property” and was ci abundantly able to maintain her if he was so inclined.” And she testified that after her removal to her father’s house, as aforesaid, he had not visited her.

It did not appear, however, but that the parties had continued to live in the same town. Nor was there any evidence that they had not often met during the time.

Lyford., for the libellant.

We are of opinion that this case does not show an absenting of himself by the husband within the meaning of the statute.

The statute intended such an absence as to leave the wife without the means of compelling the husband to provide for her support.

But in this case her means are ample. As he refuses to support her he furnishes her with his credit, and any other person may provide her with necessaries and have a valid claim against him for the amount. 2 Strange, 1214, Bolton v. Prentice; 4 Burr. 2177, Thompson v. Hervey; 1 Ld. Raym. 444; 2 ditto, 1006; 12 Johns. 295, M'Gahay v. Williams; ditto, 248, Lockwood v. Thomas. And as he is within the State, and possessed of sufficient property, the remedy is of course plain and effectual.

Libel dismissed.