Has Four Wives

Marietta Daily Leader, December 10, 1897

From Ravenswood, W.Va.

Some months ago, one C. W. Petty, a painter by trade, blew into this town from New Matamoras, Ohio. He was much gifted in the use of his tongue, so it is said, and could spin out yarns in a lively manner. 

Not many weeks ago, he married Florence Redden, daughter of U. Redden of this place. Last week a letter was received from a lady at Grandview, Ohio, signing her name "Mrs. Anna Belle Petty," and in this she claims to be his third wife, with one child, and says the other two women are living, his first wife having two children, second wife none.

Last week Petty's father-in-law, U. Redden, got onto the fellow's frequent marriages and made it so warm for him that on Saturday night, with his bundle of "duds" under his arm and tears as big as walnuts standing upon his cheeks, he bid farewell to his wife No. 4 and left for parts unknown, and probably to look for another woman to add to his list.

Notes from West Virginia Vital Records:   

Charles W. Petty of Washington County, Ohio, married Florence Leon Redin in Jackson County, West Virginia, September 25, 1897.

Charles W. Petty married Anna Belle Eddy in Pleasants County, West Virginia, June 14, 1896.

Charles W. Petty married Sarah Braden in Ritchie County, West Virginia, May 7, 1891.

Charles W. Petty appears to have been the son of Daniel and Aurelia Petty of New Matamoras, Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio .