The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-01-09
COURTS WILL INTERFERE.
Guardian Likely To Be Appointed for
Abbie Nutter of Edgecomb.

terest in the strange Edgecoinb case re-
Gently described, was further
shown this morning. The Su-
prsme court room was crowded with in
terested spectators to listen to the hear
ing relating to the appointment of a
guardian for Abbie M. Nutter.
Judge of Probate George B. Remission,
opened court at 10 u. N.
AS has been stated the relatives of Miss
Nutter are attempting to have her re-
moved from the care of Mr.. and Mrs.
Alfred S. Dodge of Edgecomb, alleging
that the girl is unduly restrained. and
has been kept in confinement more or
less strict for twelve years-or has at
leasS been Influenced to choose the life Of
recluse.
The Dodges are also charged with
having instigated the girl to draw GER
tain sums Of her money from the bank in
amounts larger than her needs require.
This morning Hon. George B. Sawyer.
counsel for Miss Nutter's relatives, first
sented the record Of the settlement Of
Hon. henry Ingalls, as guardian of Abbie
in March, 1895, showing the payment of
something over s1400 60 Abbie, ana In
troduoed W. D. Paterson, treasurer of
the savings hank, proving the payment
Of $3.50 on order signed by Abbie, and
drawn from the bank by Mr.. Alfred
Dodge, with whom the girl has lived.
Miss Onrish, Miss Nut. er's cousin. who
brought suit. testified to going to the
bod 4e house with DR.. Peasls last fall;that
Abbie was examined as to her physical
and mental condition. DIR. Peaslee did
not see her alone. Mis- Dodge was in the
room. AS a result of the examination
DR.. Peaslee stated that he considered
Miss Nutter incapable to manage her
affairs.
Miss Shortwell, granddaughter of
Mrs. Dodge. who Ind visited at the
Dodge house two weeks at time, said
that Abbie did not sit at the table while
she was there. She used 10 60 to her
room By climbing ladder sometimes,
and when abe went up stairs she used to
wear men IS socks as she supposed to
save the carpet.
Never sow Abbie at the family table.
Once saw Mrs. Dodge carry food to
Abbie. At ens time Mrs. Dodge in the
presence of the witness raised Abbie's
underclothing and showed Abbie's lower
limbs prIckeh as with pin with numer
Gus marks and scars on her legs and fore
arms. Mrs. Dodge stated that Abbie was
not allowed to ses any friends
Next Mrs. Nellie Albee of Alua, a
cousin OF Abhie on her mothers side,
testified that she frequently visited Abbie
while she lived at Wisoasset. She visited
Abbie about two years ago with Miss
Ourish, and found Abbie weak and
feeble. Abbie said she needed clothing.
Mrs. Dodge said, ono, Abbie. you don't
mean that. Don't say anything that you
will be sorry for afterwards" Abbie
said, "No, / didn't mean to say that. -
Mrs. Dodge said in answering question
from Mrs. Alhee, when Abbie's money
is gone there's the town." Miss Ourish
replied, sShs shall nsver go.
William Nuttsr, cousin of Abbie's,
went to the Dodge house several times
and was told that Abbie was not there.
He saw her looking out of the door aud
told Miss Dodge SO, when Abbie was
brought out and he had conversation
with her, but was not allowed to sse
here alone.
Abbie Nutter was placed on the stand
and examined to ascertain whether she
WAS of sound mind.
The impression is that guardian will
not be appointed. The court ad journed
until tomorrow morning at nine O'Clock.