The Most Famous Divorce Suit in the Territory Ends
A landmark settlement involving $60,000 concludes a highly public dispute, marking a new chapter for the estranged couple.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The Ferry divorce case is no more. By the tireless exertions of attorneys for both parties, an agreement has been concluded, and Judge Allyn has rendered a decision of absolute divorce, ending the most famous divorce suit of the territory. By this happy turn of affairs, many charges preferred by the litigants in their complaint and cross-bills were not investigated, and each party to the action retires with fame untarnished. The first interview of the estranged pair since their Paris separation took place at Mrs. Ferry’s parlor in the Tacoma Hotel. It was a trying occasion. Mrs. Ferry is granted an absolute divorce and custody of the only child until it reaches the age of 18 years, when the father may have it for one month in each year. The amount decreed by the court, to be paid by C. P. Ferry for the support of his wife and care of the child, is $60,000, consisting of $16,000 in money and $44,000 in real estate.
“The good sense of both parties in retiring their family differences from public view by this decisive and liberal agreement is commended by their numerous friends.”
Divorce settlements in the late 19th century were heavily mediated by social reputation and the 'untainted' status of parties. Today's family law still mirrors the struggle to shield private assets and custodial arrangements from the public eye in high-net-worth disputes.
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