Historic BV Home is Truly Part of Local History

By Richard Harris

January 7, 2026
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 Old historic homes almost always have at least a little bit of an interesting story. However, one recently renovated by John Daniel of Buena Vista (Broadmoor Realty) has a fascinating background. What makes it all the more interesting is that its first owner was one of Marion County's most prominent citizens - and you've probably never heard of him.
 It's the Ables House located at 233 Fifth Avenue (corner of Fifth Avenue and Short Street) in Buena Vista. Its owner was Alfred Ables. According to Columbus State University's digital archives, Mr. Ables was born in 1863 and, according to Columbus State University's digital archives, was a slave.
 Slavery officially ended in 1865 and he took every advantage of the newfound freedoms of his time, obviously finding ways arou...

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