People v. Mendenhall

The respondent was convicted of the crime of bigamy. The only substantial question raised is whether the offense is committed by one who, being married, contracts a common-law marriage lacking the formalities which the statute prescribes for the solemnization of marriages. The testimony on the part of the people tended to show that the respondent and the complaining witness, Bertha A. Poyle, entered into an agreement in writing as follows:

“I, Augustus C. Mendenhall, do hereby solemnly agree to take Bertha A. Poyle as my wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony, to love…