The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1910-09-30
FAMILY JAR LEADS TO
THREATS TO KILL WIFE
JOHN ABLES LOCKED UP; HE
BRANDISHED A KNIFE.
Charge Is That He Threatened to Stay
the Woman Promised to Protect
and His Child; Defendant to Have
a Hearing Tuesday; Bail Fixed at
$500; Says Troubles Are Due to
Relatives.

John Ables was arrested last even
ing at his residence, over store at
81 South Front street. on the charge
FAINT son. His married life has not
been a happy one, owing as he says,
TO the interference of his wife's rel
atives, and he was badly worked up
last evening, and demanded that his
wife find home for her Oldest child.
which she had when Ables married
her. She refused to do this, and it
appears that Ables took bread knife
and threatened to kill his wife and
child. He denies that he did this, kut
his wife and her relatives and one or
two others say that he did. Officer
Ballenger was sent for and Ables was
arrested and locked up.
Arraigned Before Judge Geddes.
This morning Ables was arrai:ned
before Special Judge Geddes on war
rant charging him with threatening
to kill his wife and son, John Ables,
Jr He stated that he was not guilty
aud wished to have a trial. and it
was set for Tuesday at 10 u. M, and
in default of $500 bond he was COM
mitted to the county jail. He asked
TO have 5. Il. Wilson defend him.
Mrs. Ables stated TO Free Press
reporter that the trouble last evening
was caused by her husbands demand
that she. give away her oldest boy.
two and half years old. She said
that she refused and that Ables then
grabbed her by the shoulder and
brandishcd the knife and threatened
to kill herself and their baby. which is
only a few months old. Mrs. Ablcs
is young woman of slight build.
while Ables is gray headed and well
put up.
Relatives Remain Silent
Mrs. Abes' relatives refused to tell
that they would tell their story in
court. These parties are George \.
Bogart and wife, brother-in- law and
sister OF Mrs. Ables. and Mrs. Anna
Bartholomew, mother of Mrs. Ables
aud Mrs. Bogart. Other witnesses for
the state were DR.. c. A. Joslyn and his
roommate, Henry lleney. DR.. Joslyn
states that he had invited the Bogarts
and the Bartholomew woman to his
room to spend the evening and that
while there they heard Ables raising
II row with his wife. the rooms being
adjoining. One of Mrs. Ables' relatives
went TO see what the trouble was.
and Ables came out into the hallway
brandishiI1g the knife and threatening
to make quick work of his wife's rela-
tives if they did not keep away. Mrs.
Ables and her child followed into the
hall. Hot words were exchanged be-
tween Ables and some of the party,
but DR.. Joslyn and Mr.. Heney finally
got Mrs. Ables and child into their
room and locked the door. Ables then
threatened to kick the door in. but Dr..
Joslyn Overawed him by threats of
what would happen to him if he did
SO. The police station was notified and
the officer arrived before there was
any bloodshed. Ables readily accom-
panied the officer to the station.
Knife in Hands of Officer.
The knife was taken by the officer
and is dull weapon that might have
done service as bread knife. 1t has
seven inch blade The trouble hap
pened between nine and ten O'Clock.
When seen Ables at first refused to
say anything, but afterwards said that
the trouble was due to his wife's rela-
tives, who had been bounding him
He denied the claim that he had not
been supporting his wife, but admitted
that he told her last night that he
would not support her any longer. He
strongly disclaimed any intention t.
harm his wife or child. and seemed
much affected. He was highly wrought
up by the truble that he had had
He said that he would have a good
,tnfn 4n Ea