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John McKenzie's divorce
The Tampico Area Historical Society encompasses parts of Whiteside County and Bureau County in Illinois. Focus is on Tampico, Hume Twp., Hahnaman/Deer Grove, & Prophetstown in Whiteside County & Yorktown & Thomas in Bureau County.
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connie2222
10 posts
Apr 14, 2013
8:56 AM
I was first aware of John McKenzie having a second wife when her name showed up on the abstract for Richard and April Hintons land. There was a petition for dower by an Ann L. and she was awarded some land only for her lifetime but the court refered to her as "the widow of John McKenzie". So far, no marrage licence has shown up however, I just obtained a copy of a petition for a divorce from Ann L. McKenzie.
John,s first wife, Betsy Havens, died in March 1854---John married Ann L . Reed in Sept 1854----John petitions for a divorce August 1856 -----John dies in July 1857 at the age of 63.
In the petition, John claims that Ann threatened to poison him, burn and destroy all of his property, left for several days and when returned she refused to cook or clean, used indecent and vulgar language to him and his family. She claimed that she came there to obtain his property from him and was bound to get it before long. She evidently had her own child with her because John claims that she whipped and beat her and him unjustly. She was from Niagara County, NY. There is no evidence that the divorce was ever final. Also there is no death certificate nor does anyone know where John and Betsy were buried???? The Ladies Aid Society of Yorktown must have had a great time with this gossip.
Any ideas from anyone would be appriciated.

Last Edited by connie2222 on Apr 14, 2013 9:03 AM
Jeanette
11 posts
Jul 07, 2013
12:01 PM
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/h/a/l/Paula-Lynn-Hall-Wy/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0321.html

I'm not sure if this will help, but this site indicates he's buried in Prophetstown
Denise
911 posts
Jul 08, 2013
7:38 PM
Thanks Jeanette, I passed it along to Connie, but she is usually out on her Island this time of year!
connie2222
11 posts
Sep 25, 2013
2:41 PM
STILL haven't heard back from anyone at Prophetstown. I would love to know if John is buried there but I don't think he was.
Denise
927 posts
Sep 26, 2013
1:32 PM
Connie, Did you contact Jim Casson, sexton of the Riverside Cemetery? Riverside Cemetery - Prophetstown
Jim Casson
815-537-5142

I have a call into him to see if he is listed in their records. According to the genealogy chart online, there is no longer a headstone.

Denise


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