Michael Peter “Mike” Abel (1874–1935)
Michael Peter Abel, commonly known as Mike P. Abel, was a longtime Henderson public official whose career spanned municipal policing, city administration, fire protection, and county corrections during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Abel was born on October 7, 1874. While some later records conflict on birthplace, by early adulthood he was living in Henderson, Kentucky, where he established his home and public career. On July 28, 1897, he married Hattie E. Pritchett in Henderson County.
By the early 1900s, Abel was serving as a patrolman on the Henderson police force. Newspaper accounts confirm that he had been a member of the department for approximately three years when he resigned in December 1904. Contemporary coverage stated that Mayor J. Henry Powell accepted the resignation and publicly praised Abel’s service. Following his departure, Henry Lee was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Despite leaving the police force, Abel remained active in public life. In a subsequent Henderson city election, he was elected City Marshal, with election results published in regional newspapers indicating a decisive victory as part of a broader Democratic sweep. Coverage noted that Abel had prior policing experience and had already served in city law-enforcement roles.
By the late 1910s, Abel was serving as Chief of the Henderson Fire Department. The 1920 United States Census records him as:
• Head of household
• Age 44
• Married to Hattie Abel
• Occupation: Chief, City Fire Department
• Residence: 835 East Elm Street, Henderson
Abel later sought Henderson County Jailer as an elected office. Newspaper articles from the 1913 Democratic primary describe him as a candidate with prior experience managing prisoners and familiarity with jail operations through his earlier city roles. He narrowly lost the nomination by 56 votes.
Later obituaries confirm that Abel did serve as Henderson County Jailer at various times, in addition to his earlier positions as city marshal, fire chief, and policeman.
By the mid-1920s, Abel had relocated to New York City. Obituary notices report that he worked there as a stock exchange guard, indicating continued employment in a security-related role.
Michael P. Abel died on January 31, 1935, at the age of 60, while staying at the home of his daughter in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His death was reported in newspapers in Henderson, Evansville, and New Jersey, all of which referenced his earlier public service in Henderson.
His body was returned to Kentucky. Funeral services were held at Holy Name Catholic Church in Henderson, and burial took place at Corydon Cemetery.
