The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1923-07-27
SEEK BURIAL fund
PLEA OF BULGERS BEFORE
AUSTIN OFFICIALS
Would Take Money Meant For
Their Shroud and Go
Honeymooning


ed ten days in the county jail and
were then married and who have
been spending their honeymoon at
the county home, appeared in the
county boards room this morning
with an oral petition.
They asked that the money, that
the bride had put in trust for the
purpose OF purchasing burial lot
and giving her Christian burial be
returned to them so they might take
= wedding trip 10 Illinois.
A year ago the now bride Of John
Bulger came before the county board
and said that she was no longer able
to take care of herself. She said
she had $500. which had come to her
from the estate of q dead brother.
She consented, in consideration OF
the county giving her home and
care for the remainder OF her days,
TO deposit the amount to the credit
OF the county The county to get SIS
any fund TO draw from, and after
that the county was TO take care
OF her as it does any other inmate
or the home. But she did not leave
the entire $500 for the county to use
for her support she had it specified
that the sum Of $3.50 should be set
aside to purchase a burial lot and to
give her a christian burial when her
spirit should litter from the county
home to her home on high
Soon after she went TO the county
home, John Buiger was placed there
60 he could not take care OF himself
John and Ellen had played together
rs children some sixty years ago.
We were not lovers then" she told
the members Of the county board
who happened to be In the room
when the couple arrived this morn
ing.
This morning the couple, aged in
years and young in their sunset love
Rffalr, started to walk up from the
county home to this city. They were
dressed IN their wedding garments.
She wore a blue skirt, white waist
and one Of the old style picture hats.
bright blue in color and trimmed
with white fringe
She walks with q cane, as many
elderly people do and John walked
by her side, as many newly weds
walk by the side of their wives He
smoked a pipe, as all members of
the country club do. The tobacco
was given him at the county home
They had not walked far before a
Des Moines auto came along with q
load OF old auto tires. II was e gal
liant man driving for he stopped the
car and made room among the tires
for the couple. 81 told him I knew
that he was from some other state
for no Minnesota man would be so
kind" said Mrs. Bulger in speaking
OF the ride.
They both hesitated about coming
into the court house to see the coun-
ty board She would push him ahead
and then he would fall back behind
Ter skirts.
County Commissioner Hotson was
the only member Of the board pre-
emit in the room, but there were
some other officials who enjoyed the
scene.
II came down TO see about the re-
lease of the banker who has got my
money. We want to go to Illinois to
visit some cousins and some auntS
Of mine and we want the money "
the bride said. In the course OF a
cross conversation between herself
and Commissioner, she said that she
was saving the money for bburtal
but needed II now. She said that her
cousins and eunts would be delight
happen to spend all their money her
relatives would be pleased to take
care Of them for the rest of their
lives.
Mr.. Hotson questioned IL her re-
latfves would be so pleased to see
her and said After you have spent
all your money you will be sent back
here at the expense Of this county. /
will agree to vote to give you the
money II you will get a guarantee
that your relatives are ready to take
care Of you in the future"
Commissioner Hotson suggested
that she had made a mistake in tax
ing John for her husband. She quick
ly and sharply resented any re1ec-
tons on her man, who she declared,
was honest, hard working and loving
helpmate.
John spoke for himself and told
Hotson that he had worked since
they were married, June % and had
earned twenty dollars
He has got money In his pocket
right now" the wife said. She de-
clared he had money coming and on
someone owed him ten dollars, a
doubtful sort Of claim.
Hotson told him he should show
himself a man and get out and earn
q living for his wife "T have shown
IL already" John said, and then add
ed II have been too good. You try 20
throw dirt on me. All we ask of you
is our rights"
The bride smiled with pride at this
outburst from her husband, whose
grey hairs shook with his anger.
Mrs. Bulger then said that If she
went away an left her money here
she would never have any chance to
spend II.
Hotson came back each time with
the argument that the agreement
she had made with the county must
stand until the county was satisfied
that they would be cared for by her
relatives, or until John had shown
some ambition to support her.
Commissioner Hotson asked her
how IT was that her husband did not
find her a home instead Of going
back TO the county home. HE just
went down to help me drive the
moths out Of M clothes. He did not
90 down there to stay, but we stay
ed on since"
At one point in the conversation
she told Mr.. Hotson, You can keep
the money then. You can beat US
out Of IT"
John interrupted her to say, They
are bluffing We will find way TO
get the money"
L.