The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal Volume XVIII, NO 2 May 1992 Divorces and Separations: 1800 - 1801 70. JONSTON, Joel. Petition of Joel JONSTON of Lincoln Co.,NC, states that said Joel married Mary MATOX about seven years past. They livedtogether three years and had two children. Mary eloped from his bed and board,leaving her two children with him, and the petitioner believes she now lives inthe State of Georgia and understands she will never return. Petitioner praysrelief for his two children and himself through divorce. [Below:] Certificateattests to facts in the petition and is signed by James (x) BALLARD, Wiley (E)BALLARD, and Nancy (W) BALLARD before John MOORE, Justice of Peace for LincolnCo., NC. Dated 7 Nov. 1801. Committee report rejects petition. (GASR Nov.—Dec.1801, Box 2: Folder “5CR, Divorce & Alimony”).                   71. KEATON,Patrick. Petition of Patrick KEATON of Camden Co., NC, which states that hemarried Elizabeth MEEDS some thirteen or fourteen years ago and lived with herfor six or seven years.  Said Elizabethwas possessed ‘with a most wicked and diabolical temper” and rendered theexistence of your petitioner miserable and wretched. Said Elizabeth gaveherself to acts of lewdness and adultery and became a prostitute. She took upwith one John JENNINGS with whom she still lives and has had several children.Your petitioner prays for relief. [Below:] Deposition of four subscribersbefore J. KEATON, Justice of Peace for Pasquotank Co., who attest to the factsin the          petition. Dated 31 Oct.1801. Committee recommends rejection of petition. (GASR Nov.—Dec. 1801, Box 2:Folder “5CR, Divorces & Alimony’).                   Bill tocarry out the petition of Patrick KEATON for a divorce from his wife Elizabeth.It appears that Elizabeth KEATON, wife of Patrick KEATON, has absented herselffrom the said husband and cohabits with another man by whom she has had severalchildren. In House and Senate, 25 & 26 Nov. 1800, and referred toCommittee. In house, 17 Dec. 1800, read first time and rejected.  (GASR Nov.—Dec. 1800, Box 1: Folder “HB 25Nov.”).                   72. KEEN,Amanda. See James BYRUN.                   73. KNIGHT,Nancy. Bill to secure Nancy KNIGHT, wife of Murfree KNIGHT, such estate as shemay hereafter acquire. Said parties have separated, and reconciliation is notexpected. In House and Senate, 19 Dec. 1800, read 3d time and passed. (GASRNov.—Dec. 1800, Box 2: Folder “SB 6 Dec.”).                   74. LAWWELL,Elizabeth. Petition of Elizabeth LAWWELL, wife of Samuel LAWWELL, of WarrenCo., NC, which states that the petitioner married the said Samuel in July of1797. In the month of September following, the said Samuel separated himselffrom the petitioner, but where he has gone she does not know. At the time ofher marriage, she was in possession of some property, including a negro wench,who has been sold to pay said Samuel’s debts. The petitioner prays for a law tosecure to her such property as she may hereafter acquire, as she hasexpectations of inheriting property from her mother (now living) and ofproperty acquired through her own industry. The petitioner is concerned thatsuch property may be taken from her and her child to pay demand of the saidSamuel LAWWELL dated 17 Nov. 1800, Warrenton, NC. Facts subscribed to bysignatures of 28 persons. In house, 4 Dec. 1800, and in Senate, 5 Dec. 1800,who refer it to the committee to consolidate with applications of a similarnature. (GASR Nov.—Dec. 1800, Box 3: Folder “JCR Committee Reports (Prop. &Grievances #1) — Petitions (Divorce, etc. )“).                   75. MASON,Hannah. Petition of Hannah MASON states that she was joined in wedlock withRichard MASON about nine years past and has borne three children to the saidRichard. He left her and has been gone five years. She prays a law to secure toher all such estate she now has and may acquire in the future— clear from anyclaims of said Richard MASON or his creditors. [Attached:] Bill to secure toHannah MASON, wife of Richard MASON, such estate as she may hereafter acquire.In House and Senate, 2 Dec. 1801, and referred to Committee. (GASR Nov.—Dec.1801, Box 1: Folder “HB 2 Dec.”).          76. MASSINGALE, Daniel. See John MOORE.