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 lived together 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 in the State of Georgia and understands she will never return. Petitioner prays relief for his two children and himself through divorce. [Below:] Certificate attests 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 Lincoln Co., 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 he married Elizabeth MEEDS some thirteen or fourteen years ago and lived with her for six or seven years. Said Elizabeth was possessed 'with a most wicked and diabolical temper" and rendered the existence of your petitioner miserable and wretched. Said Elizabeth gave herself to acts of lewdness and adultery and became a prostitute. She took up with one John JENNINGS with whom she still lives and has had several children. Your petitioner prays for relief. [Below:] Deposition of four subscribers before J. KEATON, Justice of Peace for Pasquotank Co., who attest to the facts in the petition. Dated 31 Oct. 1801. Committee recommends rejection of petition. (GASR Nov.-Dec. 1801, Box 2: Folder "5CR, Divorces & Alimony'). Bill to carry out the petition of Patrick KEATON for a divorce from his wife Elizabeth. It appears that Elizabeth KEATON, wife of Patrick KEATON, has absented herself from the said husband and cohabits with another man by whom she has had several children. In House and Senate, 25 & 26 Nov. 1800, and referred to Committee. In house, 17 Dec. 1800, read first time and rejected. (GASR Nov.-Dec. 1800, Box 1: Folder "HB 25 Nov."). 72. KEEN, Amanda. See James BYRUN. 73. KNIGHT, Nancy. Bill to secure Nancy KNIGHT, wife of Murfree KNIGHT, such estate as she may hereafter acquire. Said parties have separated, and reconciliation is not expected. In House and Senate, 19 Dec. 1800, read 3d time and passed. (GASR Nov.-Dec. 1800, Box 2: Folder "SB 6 Dec."). 74. LAWWELL, Elizabeth. Petition of Elizabeth LAWWELL, wife of Samuel LAWWELL, of Warren Co., NC, which states that the petitioner married the said Samuel in July of 1797. In the month of September following, the said Samuel separated himself from the petitioner, but where he has gone she does not know. At the time of her 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 to secure to her such property as she may hereafter acquire, as she has expectations of inheriting property from her mother (now living) and of property acquired through her own industry. The petitioner is concerned that such property may be taken from her and her child to pay demand of the said Samuel LAWWELL dated 17 Nov. 1800, Warrenton, NC. Facts subscribed to by signatures 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 similar nature. (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 with Richard MASON about nine years past and has borne three children to the said Richard. He left her and has been gone five years. She prays a law to secure to her all such estate she now has and may acquire in the future- clear from any claims of said Richard MASON or his creditors. [Attached:] Bill to secure to Hannah 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.