The Saloonkeeper Who Could Not Breathe

Albert Frederick Able, one of the old-time saloonkeepers of this city, died yesterday morning at 1 o'clock at his home on Aldrich Street near Madison Street from suffocation, the primary cause being a cancer in his throat. The case was in most respects parallel with that of Otto Ranke, the well-known contractor and builder who went to Germany to be operated upon.

The disease first showed itself about two years ago, and a few months ago an operation was performed in this city by which a small tube was inserted in the windpipe, through which Mr. Able breathed. It was evident at the time of the operation that the patient had only a short time to live. However, he went to San Francisco a few weeks ago and consulted the most eminent physicians to be found, but none of them would perform a second operation. Death staring him in the face, he returned to his home and by slow degrees saw the grave come closer and closer each day.

The climax came yesterday morning when the cancer, spreading, closed up the opening of the inserted tube and caused suffocation. Mrs. Able was with her husband when the critical moment came and sent immediately for physicians. It was too late, however, and death claimed its own.

Mr. Able was born at Baden, Germany, in November, 1851, and came to Puget Sound about fifteen years ago. He will be remembered by old-timers as having kept a saloon at the corner of Pike and Front streets somewhere about twelve years ago. When North Seattle began to build up, he went out to the southwest corner of Battery and Front streets, opposite the Bellevue Hotel, and opened a saloon that bore his name until 1892. Then he moved down on Yesler Avenue directly across from the old police headquarters. He remained there only a short time, after which he went into business at the southwest corner of Second and Marion streets. His health finally compelled him to retire from business. He leaves a wife and one daughter, Maud, aged 6 years.

The funeral services will be held at Bonney Stewart's chapel, corner of Columbia and Third streets, tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock under the auspices of Harmony Lodge No. 8, Knights of Pythias, and the Seattle Liederkranz, of which he was a member. The interment will take place in Lake View Cemetery.