Rebecca Davis Wing was a busy lady in the summer of 1854. From the
letters that Joseph Smith Wing wrote to her from Wisconsin, it is evident
that she was probably in a poor mental state. Joseph Smith Wing had written
that he had committed bigamy, he urged her to get a divorce and in the third
letter he basically threatens her with taking her children away from her.
Whatever prompted Rebecca Davis to give her children into the guardianship
of Stephen Wing, Joseph Smith Wing's brother, will forever remain her
secret.
There is little doubt that Rebecca was probably in dire straits financially and that she found it difficult to support herself much less two small children. Stephen Wing was twenty years older than his brother, Joseph Smith Wing, and much more settled. Stephen was a teacher and had taught school in Canada. Possibly Rebecca thought that it was better under the circumstances to have Adelia and Byron in a home that was more properous and more stable than what she could offer them at the time. This may also have been a cagey way of keeping Joseph Smith Wing from actually taking her children from her. Perhaps Stephen Wing was a willing co-conspirator in this drama. Joseph Smith Wing could hardly object to his oldest brother, a pillar of respect, taking care of his children. Additionally, there can be little question that Stephen Wing allowed Rebecca access to her children whenever she requested access. According to these documents, we have recorded Byron Wing's birth date wrong. These documents indicate that his birthday was November 21, 1852 instead of August 16, 1853 which was previously recorded. So, on this date of June 20, 1854, just a couple of weeks prior to Rebecca filing for divorce she relinquishes the custody of her two children to Stephen Wing. Adelia was exactly four years old on this day (it was her birthday) and Byron was two years old. Why the guardianship was made out in the form of an indenture is beyond me. The only thing that I can think is that Rebecca may have thought that an indenture would allow her to reclaim custody of her children when she felt like she was in a better position to do so, whereas a "adoption" probably would have prevented her from doing that. |
Filed June 20, 1854
A. Barber clk
This indenture made and entered into this twentieth day of June AD, 1854,
by and between Rebecca Wing, wife of Joseph S. Wing and mother of Adelia
Wing, who was born on the 20th day of June AD 1850, and Byron Wing who was
born on the 21st day of November AD 1852, of the County of Pike, and State
of Illinois of the one part, and Stephne Wing of said County and State of
the other part.
Wittnesseth: That the said Rebecca Wing hath placed and bound the aforesaid minors, to the said Stephen Wing, to dwell with the said Stephen Wing, continue with him, and serve him, until the said minors shall have attained the age of fourteen years. And the said Stephen Wing on his part in consideration of the above services, hereby agrees, that he will find and allow unto the aforesaid minors, meat, drink, washing, lodging and apparel, both linen and woolen, and all other things necessary in sickness and in health, meet and convenient for such affirmation, during the term aforesaid ______ And the said Stephen Wing hereby further agrees, in the perserverance of the statute in such cases made and provided that he will teach, or cause to be taught, the aforesaid minors within said term, to read and write and the ground rules of arithmetic, and at the expiration of said term of service, will give unto the aforesaid minors each a new Bible, and clothes suitable to their condition in life. In witness whereof Rebecca Wing mother of the said Adelia Wing and Byron Wing heirs as aforesaid, and Stephen Wing have hereunto set their hand and seals, this day and year first above written.
In presence of S------ Grigsby Rebecca Wing (seal) Austin Barber Stephen Wing (seal) |