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Archiver > NYBROOKLYN > 2003-05 > 1052104624


From: Chris Hendrickson <>
Subject: [Bklyn] Brooklyn Standard Union July 9, 1929 - Court News
Date: Sun, 04 May 2003 23:17:04 -0400


Brooklyn Standard Union July 9, 1929 - Court News

BIGAMY CHARGE JAILS PAINTER, FATHER OF 16

Rival Wives Nod Approval as Man Is Held for Examination

Frank MERRILL, 54, and the father of sixteen children, twelve of whom
are living, watched his two wives nod emphatic approval to-day as
Magistrate Frederick HUGHES held him in $2,500 bail for examination July
19 on charge of bigamy.

For three years, according to Detective William ENRIGHT, of Bath Beach
station, MERRILL has been missing from 1319 St. Johns place, the home of
his wife, Bridget QUINN MERRILL, whom he married in October, 1892, it is
said.

Police received a complaint from Mrs. Anna HORN MERRILL, at 241 Highlawn
avenue, on Saturday, that her husband had stolen her automobile.
Investigation disclosed that the husband one had lived at the St. Johns
place address. Detectives returned to Highlawn avenue, where they found
MERRILL and placed him under arrest.

The second Mrs. MERRILL was shocked at the bigamy charge. They were
married, she said, on Dec 31, of last year. After recovering from her
first shock, Mrs. Merrill, second, decided to rally to the aid of the
first wife in the prosecution of MERRILL. Both women are middle aged.

"I thought the first Mrs. MERRILL was dead," was all that MERRILL would
say when questioned by police.

Before Magistrate HUGHES, Mrs. Bridget MERRILL declared she had borne
him sixteen children, twelve of whom are alive. MERRILL is a
housepainter and decorator by trade, he said.

He asked the court to appoint a lawyer for him and was sent to Raymond
Street Jail in default of bail.

The two wives nodded and chatted throughout the proceedings. They left
the courtroom arm in arm.


Transcribed for the Brooklyn Info Pages by Chris Hendrickson
Researching: Dignan, Hendrickson, Silkenstadt, Strathmann, Soper, Zorn

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