Explain this divorce proceeding

Question

Can someone explain this divorce proceeding? How do you file for divorce against 3 people? What would be the likely relationship of these people? This Francis Gholson and his wife Susanna Jameson are my ancestors. I don't know who Jane Gholson and John Gholson are, or Joseph Jameson.

1827 Acts of Alabama...

Mr. Sargent presented the record and proceedings of the circuit court of Franklin county, exercising chancery jurisdiction in the case of Jane Gholson against John Gholson, Francis Gholson, and Joseph Jamison, for divorce; which was read and referred to the committee on divorce and alimony. --http://www.legislature.state.al.us/aliswww/history/acts_and_journals/1827/house-journal/Nov_29.html

Comments

My only guess is that her husband was using 3 aliases.

Answer 1

Maybe it was the age old gambit of ‘hiding’ assets by signing them over to others temporarily, so she decided to add them to the proceedings? Would make a difference to alimony payments

Comments

2nd wife vs family of first wife?

Answer 2

These could be two separate divorce actions.  One divorce between Jane Gholson and John Gholson and one between Francis Gholson and Joseph Jamison and the punctuation in setting out the names was incorrect.  The problem with transcribed text is you have no idea what was left out.  There may be further text that was left out that would offer better details.

Answer 3

You could also look for a marriage record (or two or three) for these folks and before 1827, obviously.  At least you could find out who was married to whom.

Answer 4

My guess is that they are witnesses to the proceeding. Testifying on behalf of one of parties to the action. (likely relatives).

Jane Jameson, sister to Susanna Jameson (married Francis Gholson) and Joseph Jameson. Jane Jameson married John Gholson.

Mr. Sargent who presented the record and proceedings may be Temple Sargent (see below).

A daughter of Temple SARGENT married Cordy SKINNER, one time Probate Judge of Franklin Co. Oran Sargent married Miss Mary Ann GHOLSON, daughter of Francis GHOLSON, who came from Botetourt Co, VA. *(Temple SARGENT b. N.C., moved (from Fkn Co., Tenn. KPJ) to Territory of Ala. near Russellville; Son Owen SARGENT b. there 1790 d. 1865; Son Harvey G. SARGENT b. 1838 d. 1904 m. Rebecca B. HARRIS