Case Summary

On May 17, 1918, Clara May Pearce filed for Habeas against mother-in-law, Julia Pearce, for keeping her 17-month-old, George Taylor Pearce, from her. A writ was ordered and on May 18, Judge Redick ruled that the infant be placed in custody of the father and mother. Newspapers give details of personal relationships and speak of ongoing public divorce between Clara and Harry Pearce. Clara accused Harry of threatening her with a revolver and beating her, as well as forcing her to ride while she was pregnant. The couple made up in November 1918 after Harry literally went down on his knees and begged her to take him back.

Case Information

Petition type(s)

• Interpersonal

Petition subtype(s)

• Child custody

Outcome

Writ allowed

Fate of bound party

Released from custody

Case Citation

Douglas County (NE) Criminal Appearance Docket Books, Vol. 20: ca.1917-1919, p. 228; RG230 Douglas County Records, Subgroup 10: District Court, 1855-1972, Series 7: Criminal Case Files, 1897-1920, Roll 78: Doc. 20-147 to 20-282, Mar. 12, 1918 - Jun. 22, 1918, No. 20-228 (microfilm)

Length of case file

Between 11 and 20 pages

Repository(s)

• History Nebraska (Lincoln, Nebraska)
• Douglas County District Court (Omaha, Nebraska)

State

• Nebraska

Tag(s)

• Children

People

• Pearce, Clara May (petitioner)
• Pearce, George Taylor (bound party)
• Pearce, Julia (respondent)
• Redick, William A. (judge)
• Clark, Michael L. (responding party)
• Clark, Michael L. (holding party)
• Welch, P. J. (responding party)

• Additional parties

  Smith, Robert (Clerk)

  Steere Jr., Asel (Deputy)

  Matters, Helen M. (Notary Public)

  Pearce, Harry T. (Father)