DeFord v. Johnson

The cause of action alleged in the petition is that defendant wantonly, wrongfully and wickedly alienated the affections of the wife of plaintiff and thereby caused plaintiff to separate from her. Both actual and punitive damages are prayed. The answer is a general denial. Verdict and judgment were for plaintiff for five thousand actual and five hundred dollars punitive damages, and the cause is here on the appeal of defendant.

Plaintiff was an illiterate farmer, born and reared near Sibley in Jackson county. When a young man, he moved to the State of Washington, where, about seventeen years…