Kemper, Father Charles L., Greenville, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1877 December 12

He appeals to Purcell on behalf of two persons who have sinfully neglected the Church's laws but for whom he would beg indulgent consideration. Six years ago John Finney began to live with the wife of his deceased brother and the result of their cohabitation has been one child still living. At present John is near death but would not consent to a separation although he might die without the Sacraments. It is a case of blind stubborness in a man who is well spoken of and possesses the theoretical faith as found only in the Irish. John and Bridget humbly ask for a dispensation, since they were married by a squire. He fears that few people think of marriage as sacred in this community. Several parties were married by the squire though there were impediments of cult and religion. One girl openly lives with a man whose wife is still walking the streets, but she will not leave him and still comes to church. He is contented there and his only complaint is the indifference to reception of the Sacraments. P.S.—The sinful cohabitation of the parties is a matter of public notoriety even among Catholics. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.