The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-05-08
SEEKS ONE OF OWN
Mrs. Theodore Jones No. 1 Sues
for Divorce.
Wealthy Negro Husband Also
Has Suit Pending.
WIFE is NOT MODEST.
Asks for All the Property in
Shawnee County.
Value Is About Fifty Thousand
Dollars.
is NOT MODEST

Another chapter in the domestic trou-
bleS of Theodore w. Jones, tie wealthy
negro Topekan, was started late Sat
urday evening when Helen c.. Jones,
his wife, filed suit in the district court
for divorce and ali1nony. 1t is the
first time Mrs. Jones has asked for a
divorce, although she has successfully
defeated Jones frequent attempts to OBJ
tain a separation. In her petition Mrs.
Jones asks the court for a clear title
to ali property, real and personal in
Shawnee county in which her husband
has title. This property is valued at
from $25.00c to $4,000.
The troubles in the Jones household
presented a protracted series of upris-
ingS in which Jones always took a full
share. 1t was a good many years ago
that Jones was in the transfer bust
ness in Chicago. He became wealthy.
In fact Jones' financial rating when he
left the breezy city was close to $780,
600. 1t was in the course of his en-
ergetic business career that he employ
ed pretty young mulatto from Booker
T. Washingtons school at Tuskogee,
Ala. The girl was for several years
Jones' confidential clerk and private
secretary. Mrs. Jones admitted she
was Jealous. Then trouble broke lose
in the Jones home. 1t has never abat-
ed.
Several years ago Jones went to
North Dakota. There he filed three
suits against his wife for divorce. Each
time he failed. But Mrs. Jones in her
recent petition declares that her hus-
band kept a paddock on the family
pocketbook and paid her nothing ex-
cept on order of the court.
A few years ago Jones invaded To-
peka. Jones coming was not an
event. It was an epoch. He set a
pace for the colored gentlemen of To-
peka that will stand as the high water
mark for gay. and riotous living in
years to come. One of Jones' first
moves was to purchase property on
Governors square. When it was known
home in the midst of Topeka celebre-
ties there was war. For weeks the
courts were busy Strengthening out the
trouble. Finally Jones was ousted.
After this bit of recreation, Jones'
mind reverted to the old family rows.
He provided that himself and confiden-
tial clerk alone should share the
estate, now valued at about 100000.
To be sure, Mrs. Jones objected. She
imm ediately enjoined Jones from any
such action In the district court Mrs.
Jones won. But Jones was obdurate.
So the case is now resting quietly in
the chambers of the supreme court.
Indignant at his wffes impudent con-
duct, Jones asked for a divorce. Later
the case was dismissed. That was in
January, 1909.
Several months ago Jones moved to
Eldorado After establishing his resi-
dence there the wealthy negro filed
suit for divorce against his wife. In
Judge Aikman'S court Mrs. Jones again
won Then Jones returned to Topeka.
lit was one of those cold nights in
January when the temperature stood
near zero and refused to bulge. Jones
was i'll at mind. He went to the fam
| lily abode in West Topeka and entered
the house via an upstairs window. Mrs
Jones greeted the dusky husband in
the reception hall. In her hand she
| held a gun. Explanations had no eff
feet on Mrs. Jones. She ordered Jones
to leave. Still Jones wanted to argue
| the case. Two policemen were called.
For two days and nights they camped
| in the house. The third day Jones
Ievacuated.
| Then Jones departed for Ell Dorado.
Again he has filed suit for divorce. This
afternoon Judge Altman was to hear
arguments in the case and pass on
motion by Mrs. Jones' attorneys to dis
miss. With the filing of the suit new
complication arises. In two counties il
different districts, proceedings are
pending for divorce. 1t is now a ques-
ton whether the action will be heard
lin Butler or Shawnee county. Further
| than this Jones' financial affairs seem
to be in badly tangled condition, ow-
| ing to the number of court actions
which are pending. Not only is Mrs.
Jones deprived of an opportunity To
participate in the revenues, but Jones
himself is all but denied the rights oe
his own bank account.
| In her petition Mrs. Jones recites that
she is a fond, loving and indulgent wife.
On the other hand, Mrs. Jones says her
husbands actions are so rude as TO
make angels weep. Jones, she says, not
only refused to support her, but he was
cross and cruel and abused her in
| most disgraceful manner. Then, too.
he refused to give her money except on
direct order of the court. Now Mrs.
Jones wants divorce of her own. Also
Mrs Jones wants all the Jones property
! in Shawnee county as heart balm as
lrecompense for her years of suffering
and dire humiliation.
THEY'RE SWATTING THE FLY.