Street Commissioner Arrested for Domestic Assault
Street Commissioner Lawrence Cummings was jailed without bond after his wife swore out an assault warrant.
Street Commissioner Lawrence Cummings was arrested early this morning by Lieut. Bryant on a warrant sworn out by his wife, charging assault and battery. Cummings was drinking heavily yesterday, and when he went to his home on Lake Street for supper, Mrs. Cummings claims he went at her like a mad man, called her vile names, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her across the floor. She fell on the stove and rolled off to the floor, her back having been hurt and her dress torn nearly off. After Mr. Cummings left the house, his wife went to Justice Humphrey's residence and swore out a warrant. The lieutenant found Mr. Cummings near the Kelpee saloon on Pike Street and told him that there was a warrant for his arrest. Mr. Cummings went with the officer to headquarters and is locked up. By order of the court, he was not allowed bonds.
“She fell on the stove and rolled off to the floor, her back having been hurt and her dress torn nearly off.”
Domestic violence in the late 19th century was often treated as a private matter unless it reached a public breaking point. This report shows the struggle of victims to seek legal redress despite the power and status of the abuser in the municipal government.
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