Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 147, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 January 1904 — A Reported Wife Deserter. [ARTICLE]

A Reported Wife Deserter.

Out on Vine street, apposite Gwins lumber office, Mrs. Frank Phillips and her six small children, left in destitute circumstances by the heartless desertion of her husband, are battling bravely fora living auainst the hardships of winter. Phillips suddently disappeared from his home one morning about two weeks ago, while his wife was preparing breakfast and his whereabouts at the present time are unknown. The only resources the family has for support is the 14 year old son, a cripple who is unable to do haid work. The wife hss sent in n ) complaints and it was only by chance that a’ kind neighbor seeing their destitute condition offered to secure them relief. The family moved here from Fair Oaks in September, and it is said by parties who are acquainted with them that the busband hikes out every winter and leaves his family to battle it out for themselves until spring. Later since the above was in print, Phillips is reported to have been at home, bnt has not been seen very much, and perhaps has gone again.