On this Date in Minnesota History: January 14

January 14, 1886 – In district court in Duluth today a breach of promise case excited considerable interest. The defendant, John Jonson, became engaged to plaintiff in Norway nine years ago, and was engaged to her five years before he came to this country. Shortly after coming to America, he stopped writing, and she, tired of waiting, came after him and found him here. She accused him with being engaged to another. He denied it. He told her that his engagement with her still held good. This interview took place about eight days after her arrival. About a month later he told her finally that she could force him to marry her, but he would not stay with her. She then took him to court. After being out a few minutes, the jury awarded damages of $2,000, or about $210 for every year she waited for him.

By the way, $210.00 in 1886 is equal to $5,587.26 in 2015; her total award of $2,000 would be worth about $53,212.05 today.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; Jan. 15, 1886; p. 2.

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

Norwegian Bride

http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1822387

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