Bridgman v. Stout

This case presents the problem of whether or not a common-law marriage was entered into in the state of Ohio between the plaintiff, Catherine H. Bridgman, and Reynold Lee Stout, now deceased. The trial court found against the plaintiff, and she appeals.

Plaintiff and Stout began living together as husband and wife in Oregon late in 1947 or early in 1948. At that time each was lawfully married to another. Plaintiff obtained a divorce from her prior husband in May 1948 and Stout was divorced by his wife in February 1949. Plaintiff’s four children remained with her, while Stout’s only child,…