from The Republican (Danville, Indiana)—issue of Thursday, May 27, 1920—page 6, column 1:
TWO DIVORCE SUITS FILED WITHIN WEEK
Wives Are Plaintiffs in Both These Actions
[…] Willa Whitenack asks for a divorce from Leon A. Whitenack. The complaint is in two paragraphs. The first alleges that they live on a farm in Eel River township, that he has been insolent and abusive in regard to the farm and has refused to consult with plaintiff about its affairs, that he has called her abusive names, that he has been careless and reckless in its management, that he borrowed money under the pretense of needing it to operate the farm, that he prevailed on her to sign notes, that when she refused to sign notes, he abused her, that he then made notes and signed her name without her authority and consent, that he received all the income from the farm and spent it in a reckless manner, that when he left her there was a large indebtedness to be paid, the indebtedness being larger than the value of the personal property, that the money borrowed was used for his personal benefit, that on May 20, when she was at her father's home, he left the house and has not returned, that in August, 1919, he left, that upon his return he told plaintiff that he had started to Denver but after reaching Chicago, he had decided to return home, that plaintiff has been compelled to raise chickens and milk the cows and has been compelled to use the proceeds to buy clothing and food, that defendant told her it was time for her to go, that he is 47 years old. Plaintiff wants the custody of their two children, alimony in the sum of $1,000 and $10 per week for the children. The second paragraph of the complaint alleges failure to provide and abandonment. They were married March 9, 1916.