In the matter of the application for writ of Habeas Corpus for the body of Marion Lavonne Maurer
October 2, 1917
- November 10, 1917
Petitioned on October 2, 1917
Filed before the Douglas County District Court (Omaha, Nebraska)
Case ID: hc.case.ne.1199
Case Summary
Golda and Rudolph Maurer were a couple living in Council Bluffs, Iowa. According to his WWI draft card, Rudolph Maurer was an clerk for American Express. On August 7, 1914, they had a baby girl, Marion Lavonne Maurer. However, on September 8, 1917, Rudolph decided to separate from his wife and move to Nebraska (an easy hop across the river), but it was agreed that Golda would retain custody of Marion. But only one day later, Rudolph, with the help of his family, including Julius Maurer, decided to take the girl. They told her mother that they just wanted to take her on a short trip, but, in fact, they absconded with her across state lines and never returned. Less than a month later, on October 2, 1917, Golda issued a writ of habeas corpus against Rudolph and Julius, demanding that they produce Marion in Douglas District Court. They complied, but their attorneys subpoenaed many witnesses to testify on their behalf. The case was dismissed without prejudice on November 10, 1917, although an Omaha Daily Bee claims that the court awarded Rudolph custody of the child, but Golda "secured possession" of the child afterwards. In 1918, Rudolph filed for divorce against Golda, and claimed that he had no idea of the whereabouts of his wife and child.
Case Information
Petition type(s)
Petition subtype(s)
Outcome
Writ dismissed
Fate of bound party
Released from custody
Case Citation
Douglas County District Court, Omaha, NE, RG230: Douglas County Records, Subgroup 10: District Court, 1855-1972, Series: Criminal Appearance Docket Books, Vol. 19: ca.1916-1917, p. 712; Douglas County District Court, Omaha, NE, RG230: Douglas County Records, Subgroup 10: District Court, 1855-1972, Series 7: Criminal Case Files, 1897-1920, Reel 76: Doc. 19-709 to 20-30, ca. Oct.1917, No. 19-712
Source material(s)
Docket |
Case File
Length of case file
Between 21 and 30 pages
Repository(s)
State
Tag(s)
