97 Neb. 322 | Neb. | 1914
This is a statutory proceeding to annul plaintiff’s marriage to defendant on the ground that it was procured by force or fraud. The ceremony was performed in Sioux City, Iowa, January 29,1912, when plaintiff was a resident of Havelock, Nebraska. Defendant entered her voluntary appearance in the case, but made no defense, and was not present in person or represented by counsel at the trial. Plaintiff testified, among other things, that a minister from Sioux City accosted him at Havelock in presence of the city marshal and told him he would have to go back to Sioux City or go to the penitentiary, and that under threats of this nature the ceremony was performed. The trial court declined to grant plaintiff any relief and dismissed the proceeding. He has appealed.
The correctness of the decree depends upon the evidence. In addition to showing that the consent of plaintiff to the marriage “was obtained by force or fraud,” he was re-' Cjuired to prove that there was “no subsequent voluntary cohabitation of the parties.” Comp. St. 1911, ch. 25, sec.
The trial court gave a different reason for the decision below; but, since his judgment is free from error, the reason given for rendering it is immaterial on appeal.
Affirmed.