In November 1896, Reverend Schemerhorn arrived in Wahpeton, leaving his pastorate in New Jersey. After correspondence with eastern contacts who praised his work, local leaders secured his services. He came highly recommended by well-known Baptists and was offered the pastorate of the local Baptist church. The congregation was pleased with him.
But soon, rumors began to circulate. Some believed he had come to Dakota to obtain a divorce, though the reasons were widely speculated upon.
By February, newspapers commented on the situation. “A preacher after a divorce makes an especially choice morsel for gossips, and the swift conclusion of many will be that Schemerhorn is a villain,” one paper wrote. “But it is only fair for the public to discredit groundless hearsay and suspend judgment until both sides are heard.” Schemerhorn was nearing the 90-day residency requirement and planned to begin divorce proceedings in Fargo the following week on grounds of slander.
On this date in 1896, Schemerhorn had filed for state residency. When offered the pastorate, he met with church officers and explained his intent to divorce, along with the reasons. They agreed to secure his services temporarily until his old friend, Reverend Van Horn, could replace him.
One local paper even touted Wahpeton’s “divorce industry,” writing:
“The best of treatment, of room, first-class attorneys and the best minister we have got at the wind-up. Our probate judge will go to his office at any hour of the day or night to fill up a marriage license or tie up the nuptial knot. Our district court is of high repute. Its excellent presiding judge is well-known as a high-toned and learned jurist. The practicing attorneys before his court are also among the best this land affords, and the woods are full of ‘em. We hope nobody will be discouraged who has grist to grind in our divorce mill. Our laws were made by fellows who have no desire to place any stumbling blocks in the way of those seeking to tear open the cold steel jaws of matrimonial alliances.”
Reverend Schemerhorn’s brief, controversial stay in Wahpeton highlights both the public fascination with divorce and the unique reputation of the Dakota courts at the turn of the century.
Dakota Datebook by Lise Erdrich
Sources:
- Baptist Preacher Comes to Wahpeton for Divorce. The Wahpeton Times, Thursday, February 11, 1897, Page 1
- SUES FOR DIVORCE. REV. L. SCHEMERHORN OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH WANTS ONE.
- Slander Charge---His Church Supports Him–-Came From New Jersey in November—One More to the Already Long List in North Dakota. North Dakota Globe, February 11, 1897, Page 1
- DIVORCE COLONY. Plenty of Room in Wahpeton For All Who Wish To Break Their Matrimonial Bonds – Come On Now. North Dakota Globe, Thursday, February 22, 1894, Page 1
