In Re Gille

This is a proceeding in habeas corpus to obtain the custody of a ten year old girl, the daughter of petitioner, who applied for the writ on behalf of the child. Certain unusual features set forth in the mother’s petition, but which are not necessary to narrate, induce this court to exercise its original jurisdiction in this instance.

The child was born out of wedlock. Her mother, née Claudia Gille, is now married to Rudolph Hagberg, an artist, whose earnings are sufficient to support himself, his wife, and the child. In October of 1915 the mother placed the child in the care and custody of the respondents to the writ, William S. Jenkins and Edna A. Jenkins, husband and wife, who reside in the city of Los Angeles and who assumed the obligation to care for the child and to board it under an agreement whereby the mother agreed to pay respondents the monthly sum of thirteen dollars. The parties lived up to the terms of this agreement for a number of years following the arrangement. During this time petitioner, who was working in a laundry, frequently called at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins to see her little girl. Until about a year or a year and a half ago Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins…