The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-07-14

one shop. No man could lay his
hand on any wrongful act that he
had done during his long residence
there. He was a member of the Lu-
theran church, quiet and peaceful,
and was first married twenty years
ago, and later to a young lady of
prominent family there. His first
wife was cripple, and the last ten
years of her life was in failing
health, and Mr.. Manthei spent at
least $1,000 in trying to have her
cured. He spent $500 in Mankato for
this purpose, and 500 in New Ulm,
and had her treated at Rochester
and by the Good Thunder doctors
She had some money, and together,
before her sickness, they had bought
an 80-acre farm, and home in Good
Thunder and blacksmith shop. To
meet the expenses of the sickness
he was Obliged to sell the farm,
which was in his name, and took a
mortgage for $1,000 in part payment
and put it in his wife's name, to
protect her interest in it. This mort
gage was not paid until after her
death, and it is the money from this
that caused the trouble.
Doctor Bills for Boy.
Mrs. Manthei's estate had been left
to husband and their one child, a
son. The boy was subject to slight
epileptic fits, and until four years
ago the father was constantly hav-
ing the boy doctored, at consider
able expense. Then he quit this,
and for some reason the boy began
to gain, and for two or three years
past has had no fits. Mr.. Manthei
kept the lad in school for the pur-
pose of educating him to the point
where he could be confirmed in the
church, but when the time came the
minister said that the lad did not
comprehend the religious teachings
The uncle of the boy, Mr.. Graf, then
took the boy to Faribault with the
intention of entering him in a state
institution there, as this seemed best
to the father, but after seeing the
school the uncle objected and
brought the boy back, and the father
kept him at home, working in the
shop, where he did well.
Had Taken Care of Boy.
Mr.. Manthei had spent more
money doctoring his boy than he is
accused of embezzling. He spent
ho{ hn fina1Ixr l.;
home, but the second wife bought
the home and shop with what money
she had, in order to save it, and
Mr.. Manthei has nothing. He had
taken good care of the boy, who
has lately been sent away to
school to remain until he can be
confirmed. Mr.. Manthei resigned as
guardian under threats of having
the matter taken into court, and
signed report that had already
been drawn up for him, in which
he stated that he had $S76.17 on
hand for the boy. In doing this he
made a mistake. He should have
taken legal advice and protected his
interests, but he was discouraged
and did not do So He has promised
to pay back the money to the bonds
men as fast as he can earn it, but
one of the bondsmen was not salts
fed and brought the matter before
the grand jury.
Did Not Drink Up Money.
Mr.. Manthei did not squander the
money drinking or in any other way.
He drank as ether Germans do-his
beer when he wanted it-but did not
drink heavily, He might have been
easy going. The criminal intent
provided in the statutes is lacking,
but probably it would be presumed,
as the money is gone. Without u.s.
to meet his expenses and have the
boy trusted. The speaker said that
he had never seen case that would so
justify the tempering of justice with
mercy. Mr.. Manthei desired to be
sentenced for definite time, as he
desired to take his punishment like
man and return home and
resume the support of his fam
liz. consisting of his wife, boy and
little adopted daughter. With a
definite sentence the family could
plan ahead. The minimum und er
the law is one year.
Attorney Asked Questions.
County Attorney Schmitt asked
the long list of questions provided
by the new law Mr.. Manthei stated
that he had resided in Good Thunder
for thirty-five years. He stated to
the court that if the sentence could
be voided he would go home and to
work at once.
Judge Pau said that he could we'll
understand how old country people
would use the money under the cir
cnmstances and consider that thu
were doing no wrong. He was not
ready to pronounce sentence today
He wished to do what is Dest for
the interests of all, and would pro-
Eounce sentence Wednesday at 8
a. m.
Judge Pfau called Mrs. Mauihei
forward and questioned her. She
said that Manthei had been real
good husband, and supplied al
things needed in the household, and