Finding Your Roots

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Henry

Though the story may not have been passed down, the Burnett's divorce received a lot of attention in its day. We found articles in multiple newspapers providing a blow by blow account of the case. The list of witnesses examined on both sides was a long one. Mrs. Burnett's friends testifying to Mr. Burnett's bad character and his friends giving testimony as to his excellent character and Christian conduct. The incongruity of spirit seemed so great between the couple that Judge Reynolds had no alternative than to grant the plaintiff's prayer in favor of a limited divorce. Wow, it is tragic. It's, it's like reading a novel. It is isn't it, in 1880 divorce rates in New York State were, are you ready for this, 0.2%, 0.2%? 0.2%. So she, so she really, talk about courageous. -

Henry

Yeah, big time. This would not have been accepted by anyone. - No, and she called him out, you know, she goes he beats me and I'm not putting up with this. Wow. So do you think Jessie was aware of her husband's marital history? No, I don't. No, I don't think so. Mm I'm guessing she didn't. Yeah. - Yeah, either. Or she turned to blind eye. Right, or she, right, It's not the person I know or something. Wasn't true, baby. - Right, right, right.