Jailed for cohabitation - 1886

- compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president. 

Two jailed for cohabitation without benefit of marriage in 1886

Moses Harmon's daughter one of defendants

Apparently the "course of true love" does not run smoothly. The Valley Falls New Era, predecessor of the Vindicator, Sept. 16, 1886, reported "a disgraceful affair" with the following details: 
"Sunday, the 20th, at the residence of Mr. Harmon, senior editor of 'Lucifer' of this city, a form of marriage was gone through by E.C. Walker, junior editor of 'Lucifer' and Miss Lillie Harmon, the 16-year-old daughter of M. Harmon, the latter performing the ceremony, which to the effect that the contracting parties bind themselves to live together only so long as the compact is mutually agreeable and the name of neither shall be changed. This is all in accordance with the vicious doctrine so vigorously advocated by 'Lucifer' of late. 

"W.F. Hiser, stepbrother of the girl, swore out a warrant for the arrest of Walker and Miss Harmon, the charge being illegal cohabitation. Almost the entire day, Monday, was spent trying to get bail for the defendants, the amount being $1,000, but without success. Tuesday morning, Constable Boles took them both to Oskaloosa, where they were lodged in the county jail to await trial before Justice Simpson."

Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 30, 1886:
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon were arraigned before Justice Simpson Monday morning to answer to the charge of illegal cohabitation. Walker was brought to Valley Falls Monday morning from Oskaloosa where he had been in jail since the previous Tuesday. Since the jail was full, the girl was not detained but brought home where an officer of the law kept a watchful eye.

"Moses Harmon was the principal, and in fact, the only witness examined. He stated that he was perfectly cognizant of the peculiar compact entered into between his daughter Lillian and E.C. Walker, and that it was all in accordance with his fullest and freest consent and approval. Justice Simpson was but a few seconds coming to a conclusion when the arguments were closed, and announced his decision binding them over to district court in the sum of $1,000 each. 

"The announcement was received with rapturous applause by the large audience present. It is understood that N.H. Harmon, her uncle, offered to go her bond, but she refused as he would not go her bail in the first place. She will be a guest of the sheriff until court convenes as there is no room for her in jail. Walker will occupy quarters at the jail with the rest of the prisoners.

"It is to be hoped that the case, let it run the gauntlet of all the courts, will be incontrovertibly decided against the social marplots, moral lepers, and conspirators."
 

Valley Falls New Era, Oct. 28, 1886:
"E.C. Walker and Lillian Harmon have received sentence by Judge R. Crozier. Walker's is 76 days in jail and the girl's 45, and the costs of the case are to be paid by them."

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