The Rogerenes: some hitherto unpublished annals belonging to the colonial history of ConnecticutBolles, John R. (John Rogers)
History
The Rogerenes: some hitherto unpublished annals belonging to the colonial history of Connecticut
Bolles, John R. (John Rogers)
Rogerenes -- History
Although Mary is fined 40_s_. by the County Court in June, for the
birth of her child, it is not declared illegitimate by the usual
form, the authorities being nonplussed by the fact she and John
Rogers so publicly took each other as husband and wife. She is not
called upon to declare who is the child’s father, nor is the latter
charged with its maintenance, as in cases of illegitimacy.
Evidently, John Rogers did not expect any court action, in the case
of so public a ceremony. He declines to pay a fine so disgraceful to
his wife and child, and appeals to the Superior Court. The court
decides that, since the fine was not accompanied by other due forms
of law, it is invalid, but refers the matter to the future
consideration of the County Court, which results in no further
action in regard to this child.
Mary is also summoned before this same June court and fined 10_s_.,
“for her wicked and notorious language to John Rogers, Jr.,”
evidently on complaint of the latter. In this crisis, her husband
presents himself at the court, partly in her defense and partly in
that of his son. He calls attention to a mark upon her face, which
he says she declares to have been inflicted by the hand of his son
John, during his own absence from home, and that upon this account
“she has become so enraged as to threaten the life of somebody, as
she has done before from time to time,” and he is “fearful that if
God or man do not prevent it,”[93] serious consequences may follow.
John, Jr., is fined 10_s._ on this evidence of his father. Although
the injury to Mary, as indicated by the fine, is nothing serious as
a wound, yet it proves how far the young man lost self-control in
this instance. John Rogers, Sr., objects to the fine imposed upon
Mary under these circumstances, but his statement before the court
is evidently intended not only as a defense of his son, but as a
check upon herself.
Footnote 93:
The statements in this paragraph are from an affidavit still
extant at New London, in the handwriting of John Rogers.
[There is the evidence of a no more partial witness than Peter Pratt
that John Rogers never complained, outside his own home, of the
domestic troubles resulting from this marriage.[94] In the above
instance, he was compelled, by the action of his son, to testify,
both in Mary’s defense and in excuse of his son. Upon this court
record and affidavit is founded Miss Caulkin’s statement that appeal
was made to the court to “quell domestic broils” arising from this
marriage. It is to the advantage of this history that the family
affairs of John Rogers were in this instance forced before the
public, since we may observe the manner in which the father and
husband endeavors to secure an impartial administration of justice,
and immunity of any one from harm.]
Footnote 94:
“Prey Taken from the Strong.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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