Ethel Winifred Lewis (abt. 1890)

Born about 1890 in England, United Kingdom

Wife of Kenneth Aird — married 2 Jul 1910 in Woollhara, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Wife of Wilfred Philip Templeman — married 2 Jun 1916 (to 29 Nov 1920) in New South Wales, Australia

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Biography

The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) / Mon 29 Nov 1920 / Page 5 / "JUST ONE BIG THING!" Short Married Bliss "IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!" Alleged Bigamous Marriage Wilfred Philip Templeman petitioned Mr. Justice Gordon, in the Divorce Court to-day, for a nullity decree against Ethel Winifred Aird (otherwise Templeman), on the ground that at the time of the ceremony of marriage, June 2, 1916, Kenneth Aird was alive, and was, the lawful husband of the respondent. Mr. Templeman, who was represented by Mr. H. E. Manning (instructed by Messrs. Stephen, Jaques and Stephen), said that when he went through the ceremony of marriage the woman gave her former name as Ethel Winifred Williams, spinster. Subsequently he ascertained that she was married on July 2, 1910, at Woollahra, to Kenneth Aird, of Toowoomba (Q.). The day after the marriage ceremony he left for the front, the arrangement being that she was to follow as soon as she could obtain a passport. His wife obtained a passport to America, and in March, 1916, he received the following letter: — LETTER FROM AMERICA San Diego. Dear, — I suppose by now you know everything. I have everything belonging to you, and if you want to do anything you have my address. I have put off writing to you from day to day, but now I can't any longer. You were just one big thing in my life. That made me so different, and even that happiness was denied me. I've rambled around from one place to another in America, thinking no one would ever find me, and to-day I got a dirty slip of a note from Liverpool. All it said was: "Your husband wishes me to inform you that he is in the best of health, and also sends his best love!" It was signed, "A Friend, EH." Who it is from I don't know, and whether it is about you or the other skunk I don't know. God knows how they knew where I was. Well, Wilfred, remember you've got first place in my life. I'm yours, body and soul. If you want to hand me over, do so, but when it is all over, I want to see you again. I'm yours! In the sight of God, and I know that you'll never be able to forget me. So, dear, let's start in this country afresh. I can see your face before me now, and I can't help tears coming into my eyes, but I could never bear to face you until I know what you still think of me. HAD NOT SEEN HER SINCE Templeton said he had not seen the woman with whom he had gone through the ceremony of marriage since he left for the war. Evidence was given that when the woman married Aird her maiden name was given as Lewis, and her place of birth England. Mr. Justice Gordon found the allegation of bigamy proved, and granted the nullity decree.

NSW Marriage Registration Number : 10480/1910 Groom's Family Name : AIRD Groom's Given Name(s) : KENNETH Bride's Family Name(s) : LEWIS Bride's Given Name(s) : ETHEL W District : WOOLLAHRA

Note - Name falsely given as Williams NSW Marriage Registration Number : 5177/1916 Groom's Family Name : TEMPLEMAN Groom's Given Name(s) : WILFRED P Bride's Family Name(s) : WILLIAMS Bride's Given Name(s) : ETHEL W District : SYDNEY

Sources

• NSW Marriage Registration Number : 10480/1910
• NSW Marriage Registration Number : 5177/1916