by Laurel | March 13th, 2013
06 March 1916
Mrs. Lillian Hofmann Is Refused Divorce in Warmly Waged Suit
Cruelty Was Alleged
Mrs. Lillian G. Hofmann was today denied a divorce from her husband, John A. Hofmann, both of Holyoke. Judge John D. McLaughlin dismissed her libel, brought on the ground of cruel and abusive treatment. The case was heard at the February jury-waived sitting if superior court, and was sharply contested.
The Hofmanns, first cousins, were married at Holyoke, December 12, 1912. From the start their married life was unhappy. Mrs. Hofmann, who is a professional singer and musician, claimed that her husband continually displayed groundless jealousy of her, and struck her on two occasions. He asserted that the trouble was caused by her insistence upon singing in moving picture theaters, after he had forbidden her to do so. He claimed that he earned enough money in his business, that of a baker, to support them both, and that there was no need of her working.
Green & Bennett and Clifford S. Lyon were for the wife, and F. J. McKay and R. P. Stapleton were for the husband.
Judge McLaughlin also dismissed the libel in the uncontested divorce case of Martha B. French against Robert H. French, brought on the ground of desertion. The parties were married March 14, 1903, at Chicopee, and have one child, Marion E. French. The wife now lives in Chicopee and the husband in Springfield. Wayland V. James was the attorney for the wife.
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
