The relationship between Edward Hersey and Jessie Gaddis is a bit of a mystery. My grandmother, told me that when she and my grandfather were going through some of his father's papers they found a divorce certificate for Edward and Jessie. This surprised them because they didn't realize the couple had ever been married. I have not been able to find a copy of either a marriage or divorce certificate.
In the 1880 census, which was taken four months before Jessie gave birth to her daughter May, Jessie is listed as being single. In the 1900 she is listed as being married with the last name "Hersey." In 1910, and in all censuses following, she is listed as being widowed. May's father, Edward, may have left town right around the birth of his daughter, but he did not die until 1938.
Any Washington DC experts out there who might have an idea where I could look for a marriage and/or divorce record? Years ago I paid to get a death certificate from Washington DC for a different family member, and I'd be willing to pay this time, but in this case I don't even have a guess at a date and I don't want to waste my money if the document doesn't exist.
