Stories from a Stony Land: The Divorce of Mary Long Adams from Peter Adams

As stated in the story "Henry Straight: The First Generation", Henry Straight married his second wife when he was 32 and his wife, Mary Long Adams, was just 19.  Mary was a "divorced woman", even at that young age. I have found in my Dad's records the actual request for divorce made by Mary's mother, Mary Lane Long Litchfield, to the Governor.  It is unexpectedly lurid and detailed for a request made in 1684!

The following request was submitted by Mary Lane Long Litchfield to the Governor of the Provence in Boston.  It asks for the granting of a divorce for her daughter, Mary Long Adams, from a Peter Adams.  Mary long Adams was 19 years old at the time and must have been only 15 or 16 when she married Peter Adams.

"The Humble petition of Mary Litchfield to the Right Honorable Simon Bradstreet, Governor, to the Honorable Thomas Danforth, Deputy Governor, and to the Worshipful Assistants now assembled in Boston.

This is to humbly showeth that whereas your poor petitioner in the time of her late Captivity, with the Barbarous Turks, did leave several young children in Boston and Dorchester, where of my Daughter Mary was one.  In the time of my absence, with fair promises and deluding words, she was deluded by one Peter Adams.  So much so that her affections were so engaged that she disposed herself in marriage unto him.  Since that time god had so left the said Peter Adams that he fell into many terrible crimes and wicked practices in a special manner, and in breaking that Commandment of the Lord (Thou Shalt Not Steal).  For these transgressions, our Honorable and Godly Rulers did see just cause to prosecute the law provided for Delinquents in such cases, to the said Peter Adams.  He was transported out of the country about two years ago.

Before this time he carried on so wickedly to my Daughter, and so infidel like, that instead of providing for her, he took from her wearing apparel and left her almost naked, more like an Indian than a Christian.  Swearing most abominably, threatening to split her open, calling my Daughter Mary a Dam whore, commanding her to give him his hat, and several times beating and abusing her.  Since that time he has never come near my Daughter nor provided for her, neither for meat, drinks, clothing nor lodging.  My Daughter had no way to subsist but what she earned by hard work for a considerable time.

For about a year my Daughter has received kindness from Henry Straight in Narrowganset by being entertained in his family.  At this time the said Straight and my Daughter Mary have declared to your humble petitioner that they desire to be married.

In order thereto the aforesaid Straight has now come to us, and left my Daughter in Rhode Island Colony, and upon my Daughter's Request to me, your humble Petitioner, causeth me Humbly to request your Honors on behalf of my said Daughter, to grant her a bill of Divorce.

This being done shall cause your Humble Petitioner as a duty she is bound for your Honors long life and everlasting happiness hereafter.  And I shall pray for your Honors in all humilities and submission.

March 5, 1684

Mary Litchfield by her mark"

Wow!  Mama, apparently back from her captivity with the barbarous Turks (!), made a successful enough appeal that, even in that day and age, it was quickly granted.  Henry and Mary were married in May 1684, just two months later.  Mary lived 92 years.