Estate of Titcomb

Elizabeth Titcomb petitioned for a homestead to be set apart to her as the widow of deceased. Creditors of deceased resist, claiming that petitioner was not the wife and is not the widow of deceased.

The petitioner came to this State in about 1854, as Elizabeth Maguire, a single woman, and obtained employment in a laundry. While there she became acquainted with A. H. Titcomb. He proposed marriage to her, which was accepted by her; and he then proposed to furnish a house, they to reside together, and she take care of the house and rent furnished rooms to lodgers; this was accepted by her, and they entered upon those relations. The same relations continued until his death in 1870. They resided together as husband and wife; he took her to places of amusement; rode out with her; introduced her to his friends as his wife; and so far as his domestic life was known, they were regarded as married people. Three children were born to them; two died very young; the other survives, and is a young woman of about ■•eighteen years. This child bears Mr. Titcomb’s name, was spoken of by him to his friends as his daughter, and was educated by him, and christened with his consent. ' She appears to…