Wagner Family

DRAFT--This page is a draft. It is incomplete, not proof read and may contain research notes

This is a strange complicated story, a murder mystery as it were. It is also a story about a blood feud and that complicates the matter because the story includes rumor and innuendo intertwined with a few facts. Some of the names changed over time, probably by the desire to blend in, so their birth German names were gently Anglisized.

The Wagner Family

This story involves various members of the Wagner Family, some living in Germany, some in Reardan and some in other places. Many first names are repeated and many spellings or nick names are used by some individuals to add to the confusion. Those who lived at Reardan at one time or another are in bold type.

Charles Karl Gotlieb Wagner d. 1881
+ Marie Therese Rothe b.1829 d.1904 (immigrated to Reardan about 1894)
  |- Anna b.1854 d.1919 (the birth and death dates match up with Wilhelmine Wagner Rothe of Oshkosh, WI)
  |- Frederick "Fred" b.1855 d.1939
  |  + Magdelena "Lena" Gebelein
  |    |- Gustave
  |    |- Louise
  |    |- Herman
  |    |  + Martha Knutson (married 2 William Colville)
  |    |    |- Herman
  |    |- Anne Marie
  |    |- Bertha
  |    |- Rose
  |    |  + Guy "Dick" Fleming
  |    |    |- Jack b.1923
  |    |    |- Annabelle b.1925
  |    |- Minna
  |    |- Margaret Clare
  |- Herman b.1858
  |- Karl August b.1869
  |- Ameila b.1863 d.1943
  |  + Herman Franke
  |    |- two more children mentioned in the paper?
  |    |- Hulda Franke b. 1885 d.1953
  |    |  + John Schumer
  |    |- Bruno Franke b. 1894 d.1960
  |- Mina Frieauf b.1864 d.1955
  |- Pauline b.1864
  |- Adolph b.1864 d.1939
  |  + Emma
  |    |- Richard b.1891 d.1968
  |    |  + Amelia Scharff d.1952
  |    |    |- George b.1930 d.2010
  |    |    |- Helen Grace b.1934 d.1948
  |    |- Elsie b.1893 d.1984
  |    |- Adolph Jr. b.1897 d.1958
  |    |- Clara b.1899 d.1910
  |    |- Lydia b.1899 d.1911
  |    |- Edith b.1903
  |    |- Emma b.1904 d.1974
  |- Charles "Charlie" b.1867 d.1931
  |  + Emma
  |    |- bunch of children
  |- Gustave b.1869 (was living with Gottlieb in Reardan in 1900)
  |- Clara b. 1870
  |- Gottlieb "Godhelp" b.1872
  |- Mollie (which maybe confused with Ameila) b.1874 (she is mentioned in Charles' obituary as being from Reardan, but this may be confused with Amalie.

Gotlieb Wagner Land Purchase

=== Herman and Amelia (Wagner) Frank Land Purchase

The Wagner Land Around Reardan in the 1890s

First lets set the stage. It appears that Fred Wagner left Germany and came directly to Reardan and homesteaded a quarter north of Reardan (SE/4 S4 T25N R39EWM) in 1888. He was joined a year later by his brothers Adolph who homesteaded the quarter immediate west of Fred's quarter (SW/4 S4 T25N R39EWM and Charles who homesteaded about a mile north (E/2 NE/4 and W/2 SW/4 S18 T26N R39EWM). Their sister Amelia and her husband Herman Franke bought three quarters of railroad land from the Gettys (NW/4 S33 T26N R39EWM, SW/4 S33 T26N R39EWM, and SW/4 NW/4 and lots 2, 3, 4 of S4 T25N R39EWM) (the former two were later farmed by Zwainz and the latter was later farmed by Rich and Lorraine Paul). Charles may have had another quarter at (E/2 E/2 S34 T26N R39EWM).

The Core Dispute

• DROP

Fred and Adolph did not always get along. Adolph accused Fred of putting in a fence on his land instead of between their two qua rters. There is no indication that the fence was ever moved or the dispute ever resolved.

Domestic Abuse

• DROP

In 1896 the brothers were joined by a sister Amelie ("Mollie") and her husband Herman Franke. Amelie and Herman and four children came with around $7,000 that they planned to purchase some land, livestock and equipment. They did buy a quarter of land in the same section as Fred and Adolph which was homesteaded by Moore Gelty (SW/4 SW/4, Lots 2, 3, 4 S4 T25N R39EWM) [This land was farmed by Dick and Lorraine Paul after WWII.][The Oskosh account say Herman had $4000 and Amaile had $1800 and they purchased 480 acres. This means there is another half section somewhere].

The problem with the land purchase is that it was all in Herman's name although Amelie had provided some of the cash given to her by the Wagner's mother. She want on quarter to be in her name, since it was her separate money. They fought over this issue and he beat her. She went down the road to Fred's house and notified the sheriff. In the mean time Herman cut up her clothes into small pieces and tossed them out the door. He was charged with assault and battery and fined $75. He borrowed the money from John Christian from Reardan. About ten days later Mr. Christian went to see Herman presumedly about the land and could not find him. Foul play was suspected. Mrs. Franke had been living with her brother Fred at the time, but now figured it was safe to return to her own home. She wanted to file for divorce and property division, but was told she had to wait a year to establish Washington residency.

The Disappearance of Herman Franke

• DROP

No one knew where Herman was. It was speculated that either he was murdered or that he left the country to avoid further prosecution. Some felt that it may have been that he thought his land deals were not going as he expected.

1894-11

It appears that Herman got on a train and went to see his family in Oshkosh, WI. He could not find his family or at least sympathy for his plight. He was desperate. He hung himself. Problem was that there was nothing on his person or in his room to identify him. The police held his body for a few days for identification but eventually had him buried in a paupers grave.

The Wagner siblings corresponded with each other and news of the activities in Reardan reach a brother and a sister, Mrs __, in...wait for it...Oshkosh, WI. She reads in the paper a description of a short unidentified man who hung himself and puts that together with her brother in-law Herman. So the police took what little effects the hung man had, a German watch, a handkerchief and a knife) and sent it to the constable in Reardan W. H. Capps who was the next door neighbor of Fred. He presented the effects to Amelie and one of the Wagner brothers who confirmed their owner was her husband.

---I can't find a notice in the paper about the unidentified man. It may be that the Wagners were in contact with the Franke relatives in Oskosh.

1895-03

The Arrest of the Wagner Siblings for Murder

• DROP

On July 22, 1897, the siblings Amelie Franke, Fred Wagner, and Gotlieb Wagner, who lived one mile north of Reardan, were arrested for the murder of Herman Franke, Amelie's husband, who disappeared around October 25, 1984. Two other Wagner brothers (Adolph and __) living in the area were not arrested. A few days before his disappearance, the Frankes fought and Herman was charged with assault and battery and fined $75. He borrowed the money from John Christian. About 10 days later Mr. Christian went to visit Herman and could not find him. Foul play was suspected. Mrs. Franke went to her brother Fred Wagner's home until it was noticed that Herman had disappeared and she returned home.

Fred came to the Reardan area around 1883. His brothers followed him. The Frankes followed in 1896. They invested $7000 in land, stock, and equipment. It turns out that some of the money that Herman had invested was actually Amelie's separate money, but he put the title to the land purchased with it in his name and not hers. Hence the argument.

She was insisting on her right to the property purchased with her money. He was not going along with that. He beat her and she left their place and went to her brother Fred's place about a half mile away. Meanwhile Herman was cutting up her clothing into smalll pieces and tossing them outdoors.

After Herman's disappearance, Emily tries to get a divorce from Herman. She is told she must wait a year to get a divorce to establish her residency in Washington.

She did get a divorce and got title to the land.

The charges against the Wagners was brought by John Thyne, also of Reardan and an employee of W. H. Childs who ran an elevator in town. Fred Wagner thought he, Emily and Gotlieb were innocent. Mr. Thyne, who was thought to be also employed as a detective to solve the mystery of Mr. Franke's demise. Mr.Thyne may have been motivated by a $500 reward offered by the Lincoln County commissioners for the arrest and conviction of Mr. Franke's killer.

The accused were arraigned and a court date set for the following week. They did raise the $5000 bond, so they did not have to spend all five days in jail, but probably some. [This is probably the same cell as the cell now in the parking lot of Lincoln County Historical Museum.] They hired attorney's and their principle line of defence was they got the wrong Wagner. They should be looking at their brother Adolph. Mr. Thyne was said to be a good friend of Adolphs, so may have be acting as his agent when the accusation was made. At any rate there was not enough evidence for a murder charge and the case was dismissed.

Wagner Land Around Reardan by 1911

• DROP

Charles sold his land to __ in __.

Adolph sold his homestead quarter to __ and took a lease of the school land for the entire section 36.

The Franke land is a bit more complicated. The quarter in Section 4 is still in the Herman Franke name. This may be because it was held in trust for his four children.

Mrs. Franke has title to an 80 (N/2 SE/4 S32 T26N R39E)

[What I believe should have happened is this: One quarter should be in his wife's name because the quarter was purchased with her separate funds. The other two quarters should have been split between the wife and the children. So the wife should have two quarters and the children would have one quarter.]

Where Did the Wagners Go

• DROP

Three are obvious, because they stayed in Reardan. Fred stayed on his home place. He and his wife had some kids including Rose (who married Dick "Guy" Flemming) and Herman (who married Martha Knutson). Herman died from pnemonia which was probably brought on the the influenza epidemic. They had a son, Herman Wagner, Jr. Martha remarried William J. Colville and they adopted Herman, Jr.

Adolph married Emma. They had three daughters, Edith (Guyer), Emma (Karle), Elsie (Weyen); and one son Richard who marries Amelia Scharf of Davenport and they had one son George.

Amelia Franke (47) also stayed near Reardan. It appears that she was living off farm income in 1910. Two of her children, Hulda (15) and Bruno (13), were living with her. In 1943 Amelia/Amalie Franke (80) was found dead in a chair in her home. It was decided that no inquest was necessary. Hulda was now married to Mr. Schumer and dies on May 28, 1953. In 1942, Bruno was committed to the Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake. He was found dead in a shower in 1960, hung by a belt around a fixture in an apparent suicide.

Charles died in 1931 in Petaluma, CA. His obituary says that this brother Fred and sister Mollie Franke live at Reardan. Another brother Godfried is living in Wyoming. Adolph is living in Spokane. No mention of other siblings. Charles married Emma and they had several children.

Side Note

• DROP

A side note.

1897 was a bumper crop. It was reported that the crop average was 40 to 50 bushels per acre in the Reardan and Davenport area. William Schulz was reporting a 50 bushel per acre crop on a field of 115 acres. This seems high to me. When I asked about the yield in the area before fertilizer, I was told that it ran in the 20s. I found a news article from 1933 about wheat allotment and it was based on 15 bushels per acre. This could be showing that the soil was getting "tired." It would be nice to know "real" numbers.

The Newspaper Articles

SUICIDE IN A SHED

November 05, 1894 Oshkosh Northwestern

UNKNOWN MAN HANGS HIMSELF

---

Suspended From a Rafter Six From the Ground Near Holm & Hansen's Blacksmith Shop--His Identity a Mystery--Particulars.

When Fred Nelson, an employee of the blacksmith firm of Holm & Hansen 14 Ceape Street, arrived at the shop this morning, a sickening sight met bis eyes. Suspended from a rope with bis feet on the ground, hung the body of a man cold in death, with bis glassy eyes transfixed and staring. The body was hanging in an old shed in the rear and to the east of the shop and in full view of passers-by, if it had been light enough to discern the object. Nelson discovered the body at 6:30 o'clock and immediately notified the police. A coroner's Jury composed of J. C. Halse, John Rosenkranz, J. C. Merton, Joe Kilp, Fred Wendorf, and Fred Nelson was hastily impaneled, and after viewing the remains they adjourned until two o'clock Thursday afternoon. Tho body was cut down and removed to Konrad's undertaking establishment. The body appeared to be no doubt as to the Identity of the dead man and friends and fellow laborers who thought they recognized him, pronounced him to be Constantine Meklei, who works for tho Cook & Brown Line company, and resides at 43 Evans street. The news quickly spread that Meklei had taken his own life, and crowds of morbid curiosity seekers streamed Into the under-taking establishment to gaze at the features of the corpse.

It fell upon Detective Lynch to notify the supposed wife of the dead man, and accompanied by a Northwestern reporter they sought the residence of Meklei on Evans street. In answer to the knock, a buxom and pre-possessing young lady answered the summons and then Detective Lynch's nerve failed him. Ha dared not break the new without first quieting any fears the young lady might possibly have had in regard to the errand of the officer. So he asked if Mr. Meklei was at home and she replied that he was and before anything further could be said, the man who was thought to be dead, put in an appearance and welcomed the visitors with a hand shake that felt very different from the clammy touch of the corpse. Recovering from his surprise, the officer explained matters and started off to discover the identity of the dead man.

On his person was found a silver watch with open face, a tobacco bag, spectacles and case, and twelve cents in change.

The body is apparently that of a laborer attired in his Sunday clothes. He wears a blue linen shirt without collar, or necktie, and his hair and beard are tinged with gray. His features are narrow and shrunken and belong to a man of sixty-five years. He is five feet and three inches in height.

The unknown was evidently determined to end his existence at all costs, for had he repented he could have extended his limbs while hanging and saved himself. From the hole in the beam through which the rope was placed, to the ground was but six and a half feet. Apparently, he placed the noose around his neck while standing on the base board to a fence which ran along the side of the shed, and then jumped off. Tho rope was too long to permit him to hang free of the ground, and rather than try it over again, he bent his knees and with feet resting on the earth be slowly strangled to death.

John Bonacker, residing at 343 Waugoo street, is employed as chore man at the sample room of J. Thalnofer 20 Main street, and though at work since five o'clock within twenty feet from where the man was found hanging, yet he was unaware of the occurrence until the arrival of the police.

STILL UNIDENTIFIED

November 6, 1894 The Oshkosh Northwestern

Remains of the Supposed Suicide Removed to the Vault at Riverside.
The remains of the suicide are still unidentified. Undertaker Konrad removed the body this morning to the vault at Riverside cemetery, awaiting further disclosures in the case. The remains were viewed yesterday by hundreds of fellow employees and neighbors, of Meklei, who saw a strong resemblance between the dead man and Meklei, for they could not b persuaded that the body was any other than that of their friend. However, Ossian Cook and R. C. Brown, members of the Cook & Brown Lime company, for whom Meklei worked, failed to find any similarity between the two men. One circumstance that appeared to give strength to the report that the dead man was Meklei's was that he had failed to put in an appearance for his day's work. But this has since been explained, as he was engaged in straightening up a few matters at the court house.

S. N. Bridge the music dealer visited Konrad's undertaking establishment this afternoon and stated that a relative of his arrived from the state of Washington some time ago, for whom he purchased a suit of clothes corresponding to those worn by the dead man. He has not heard from the relative in tho last three weeks. The body had been removed to the city vault and Mr, Bridge left for the cemetery at a late hour.

The Inquest Adjourned

November 8, 1894 The Oshkosh Northwestern

The inquest over the body of the old man who was found hanging in a shed on Ceape street was to have been held this afternoon, but was adjourned until a week from today. The body will remain in the vault at Riverside in the meantime. As yet no information has been received which tends to throw any light on the identity of the supposed suicide.

THE MYSTERY UNSOLVED

November 15, 1894 The Oshkosh Northwestern

Coroner's Jury Renders a Verdict in this Unknown Suicide's Case.
On Monday morning, November 5, the body of an unknown man was found hanging In the shed in the rear of Holm & Hansen's blacksmith shop on Ceape street. The dead man evidently had no fr====WAS HERMAN FRANKE SUPPOSED NAME OF A SUICIDE==== iends in this city for all efforts to discover his identity have proved futile, A coroner's jury composed of J. C. Heise, John Rosenkranz, J. C. Merten, John Kilp, Fred Wendorf and Fred Nelsou was impaneled and after viewing tbe remains, adjourned until Nov. 8 at which time it was thought the body would be claimed. But when that day arrived and no additional light had been thrown on the matter the jury decided to delay rendering a verdict for another week. This afternoon the jury again met and rendered a verdict of death from strangulation produced by a rope. The body of the suicide which has lain tn the vault at the cemetery for the past week, will now be interred in the potter's field.

The case is a strange and unusual one. The dead man was dressed in fairly good clothes and appeared to be a well-to-do laborer or farmer about fifty years of age. Not a mark could be found on his person to help tell who he was or where he came from. No one can be found who remembers having seen him the day before he was found hanging in the shed, nor did he visit any of the saloons or eating houses in the vicinity of the tragedy. The deed was done with a piece of bran new window sash cord and where this came from is also a mystery. For a time the theory of murder was advanced, but this was abandoned, as it would have been almost impossible for anyone to have smuggled the stranger into the city and then killed him or to have taken the body to tho place where it was found without being seen. Altogether the case is a very mysterious one, and there is little hope now of unraveling it unless an inquiry is made for such a man or the solution is stumbled on accidentally.

WAS HERMAN FRANKE SUPPOSED NAME OF A SUICIDE

February 11, 1895 The Oshkosh Northwestern

Disappeared From Reardan, Wash., on October 20-- as a brother-in Law in Oshkosh--Trouble With His Wife--Particulars.
On November 5 the body of an unknown man was found hanging in an old shed near Holm & Hansen's blacksmith shop on Ceape street. There was nothing about his person which revealed his identity, and the police set about to discover if possible who the man was and where he came from. The verdict of the coroner's jury was that the man came to his death by hanging himself. The body was held a few days to await identification, but was finally buried in the potter's field at Riverside. At the time the police were convinced that the man was no tramp, from his respectable appearance and the articles found in his pockets, which included a silver watch of German make, a pair of glasses in a tin case, a leather tobacco pouch, an old knife, three keys, a tooth brush, and a box of matches. After being announced that the suicide was not an Oshkosh man, the police dropped the search, and no more was thought of the matter.

But Chief Weisbrod has received a letter which may lead to the identity of the man. It is from W. H. Capps, a constable at Reardan, Wash. The constable says that on October 20, Herman Franke mysteriously disappeared from Reardan, and has not been heard from since although his relatives have resorted to almost every means to ascertain his whereabouts. The letter further states that Franke is a brother-in-law of a family named Wagner, three of whom, with the wife of Franke reside at Reardon, and a brother and sister at Oshkosh. August Richter is referred to as one who might give some information regarding Franke. Franke came from Germany and at the time of his disappearance he could not speak English. He is described as 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighs 155 pounds and was an inveterate smoker. From the description and the time of the disappearance Chief Weisbrod is inclined to believe that the man referred to is Franke. The description tallies exactly with that of the suicide, and from one of the relatives referred to in the letter the police have learned that Franke had some trouble with his wife before leaving home. It is supposed that when be reached Oshkosh be was penniless, and could not find his relatives, which drove him to despondency and suicide. The articles found on the man's person will be sent to Reardan for identification by Mrs. Franke. Meanwhile an effort will be made in this city to unravel the mystery.

Mrs. Fred Rothe, [nee Wilhelmine Wagner b. 26 Feb 1858, d. 8 May 1919] residing at 315 Thirteenth street, is a sister-in-law of Herman Franke. When seen this morning by Detective Lynch she said she had heard of the disappearance of Franke through her sister. She had not seen Franke in twenty years, but knew that he came over from Germany about-two months before he disappeared. He then had $8,600 in money and invested it in real estate in Washington. He had some trouble with his wife, and about four days after leaving home wrote a letter to his folks, in which he intimated that he would put an end to himself. Mrs. Rothe said that Franke was about fifty years old. She is of the belief, from the description of the suicide, that it is Franke.

A MYSTERY CLEARED UP

February 19, 1895 Spokesman-Review

Herman Franke of Reardan, This State, Hanged Himself at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

---

He Had Trouble With His Wife and Disappeared Suddenly From His Home. The mystery of a strange tragedy at Oshkosh, Wis., has been cleared up in Spokane. The body of an unknown man was found hanging in a woodshed there on the 5th of November last and was buried in the potter's field after diligent inquiry to ascertain his identity. Subsequently light on the subject led to the exhumation of the corpse a week ago yesterday, when it was identified as that of Herman Franke of Reardan, Wash. He had claimed to have lost $8,000 in a real estate deal, but concealed the true cause of his suicide.

Herman Franke and hie wile, Emelie, 42 and 32 years old respectively, were formerly well-to-do peasants at Bossenheim, province of Saxony, Prussia. They were married on Christmas day, 1881, and with their four children removed to Reardan in Lincoln county, this state, in August, 1894. He brought with him about $4,000 and she $1,800 which they had realized from the sale their property In Germany, the wife's separate interest having accrued from her wedding portion.

With the joint money Franke purchased 480 acres of land near Reardan, together with implements, machinery and stock, paying therefore $5,200. The property was free from all encumbrance and they started out in their new field with brighter prospects than do the average of pioneers in agricultural pursuits in the west. Franke promised at the time to place title to a quarter section of the land in his wife's name, but instead of doing so had the deeds all written in his own name. This was the beginning of their domestic differences, which culminated in his self-destruction. Although frequently urged by him wife to convey a portion of the property to her, he stubbornly refused to do so, and increased his abusive and cruel treatment of her, which she has said commenced shortly after their marriage.

She called upon Adolph Munter of Spokane for legal advice, stating that her husband was in the habit of beating and kicking her, and had threatened her with a shotgun October 1, 1894.

"While I was willing," she said to Mr. Munter in her native tongue, "to put up with his abuse in Germany. I will not endure it in this country."

She desired to bring action for divorce and a division Of the property, but was informed that she could not proceed in this manner until after a year's residence in this state. Suit was accordingly brought to compel Franke to convey to his wife 160 acres of land, bought with her separate money, and to be held by her separately. Mr. Munter drew up a summons and complaint, first writing to Franke, requesting him to call at the office and settle the matter. Frank apparently suspected the real motive, which was to obtain service upon him in Spokane county and save expense. He therefore failed to respond. Mrs. Franke wrote the attorney that she was unable to induce her husband to come to the city, and recommending that he be served with the summons in Lincoln county. The husband and wife were then living half a mile apart, she with her brother.

Mr. Munter immediately sent the summons and complaint, which were returned to him by Mrs. Franks with the explanation that since the receipt of the lawyer's letter her husband had treated her more shamefully than ever, when she celled to see him. On the occasion of her last visit she was greeted In a manner so shockingly outrageous that she caused his arrest. The justice of the peace at Reardan fined him $50 and costs, which so enraged him that he cut to pieces her household effects and clothing, with which she was well supplied, as German peasant women in good circumstances always are. The mutilated articles were thrown out of the house and subsequently gathered up by her and taken to her brother's house.

The justice had permitted him to go on him own recognizance, but later urged payment of the fine and costs. Franke borrowed $150 on a chattel mortgage ostensibly to settle with the court, but the next day thereafter he disappeared, leaving everything behind except the suit he wore and one blanket and a pillow. This led the wife to suspect foul play, and she immediately advised Mr. Munter to that effect. She was in Spokane about a month ago and had not then heard of her husband's whereabouts. In the meantime she had taken possession of the property.

Mr, Munter has notified Mrs. Franke of her husband's death, and is expected in this city in a few days to take ts necessary to take such steps as may be necessary to protect the rotate.

ANOTHER CHAPTER

February 25, 1895 The Oshkosh Northwestern

---

Additional Particulars of the Troubles Leading to Herman Franke's Suicide.

Chief of Police Weisbrod is in receipt of another letter from Constable Capps cf Reardan, Washington, respecting the so-called Herman Franke suicide in this city in November last. In all probability the watch and other effects found upon the person of Franko will at once be forwarded to Reardan for identification and the mystery is in a fair way to be conclusively cleared up. Mrs. Franke is expected to be able to identify the watch, if it was her husband's, and a Mr. Wagner, also of Reardan, who was in the old country with Franke when the watch was purchased, will also be appealed to. Accompanying the letter was a clipping from the Spokane, Wash., Review of the 19th inst., giving a lengthy statement of the troubles of the Frankes and their subsequent separation. The couple were formerly well-to-do peasants of the province of Saxony in Prussia, and removed to Washington in August, 1894, with their four children. Franke had $4,000 in cash and his wife had $1,800 realized from a sale of property in Germany. With the joint money they purchased 480 acres of land near Reardan, securing a fine property without encumbrance of any sort. Franke promised at this time to place title to a quarter section of the land in his wife's name, but instead had the deeds all written in his own name. This was the beginning of their troubles which were augmented by a suit brought to compel Franke to convey to his wife the 160 acres of land which had been bought with her separate money. Franke began to abuse his wife, according to her statement, and on one occasion was fined $50 and costs for beating her. Husband and wife took up their residence apart, and a suit for divorce and division of the property was begun by the injured wife. About this time Franke disappeared and was never heard from by the interested persons in the west until the news came in a round about way of his suicide in this city. As previously published it is supposed that Franke came here to visit and make his home with relatives. Being without funds and meeting with a great deal of difficulty in locating his people, be concluded to take his life.

Franke's Effects Sent West

March 5, 1895 The Oshkosh Northwestern

Chief Weisbrod has forwarded for identification to the constable at Reardan, Washington, the silver watch, knife, handkerchief and other personal effects found on the body of Herman Franke, who committed suicide here in November last. Tho chief received a letter from the widow of Franke this morning requesting him to send these articles to her but advising that the remains be left in the resting place they have found here. The mystery seems in a fair way to be cleared up in a week or so.

April 8, 1896 Claim of Homestead recorded at Lincoln county

Know all men by these Presents, that I Amalie Franke of Reardan Lincoln County State of Washington, being mmm and for thirteen years las past the lawful wife of Herman Franke, late of Reardan, Washington, And by reason of said matrimonial relation of said Herman Franke, and by other reasons fully appearing below, I claim the following interest in the following real-estate described as follows: S. W. 1/4 Sec. 33 Tp. 26 N., R. 39 E. W. M and Lots 2, 3, and 4 and S. W. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 4 Tp. 25 N., R. 39 E. W. M in all about 320 acres in Lincoln County, State of Washington, to-wit: $1800.00 of the purchase prices paid for such lad was used and is my separate property, being money from my mother's estate, and the money paid for the residue of said land was community property and all of said land is not worth to increase? the sum of $3600.00, therefore, I claim that one-half of said real estate is my separate property for reasons above given that that on the other half of said real estate I hold a one half interest which is a community interest; that the title to all of said real-estate is now in the name of my husband Herman Franke aforesaid, contrary to my directions and against my will, and that I have commenced an action to obtain such land; and I hereby give notice of all the above.

In witness whereof I have here onto set m name and seal the 7th day of April, 1896.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of H. N. Martin
State of Washington, County of Lincoln
Amalie Franke (seal)

This certifies that on this 7th day of April 1896, before me the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared within named Amalie Franke who is known to me t be the identical person who executed the within instrument and acknowledged that she did it for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed my seal this day and year last above written.
H. N. Martin
Notary Public in and for the State of Washington
Residing at Davenport.

Wagner's Arrested

July 23, 1897 Spokesman-Review

Reardan, Wash., July 22--Considerable excitement was evinced here when Sheriff Devenish and Deputy Grant came over from Davenport and took Fred Wegner, G. [Godhelp or Gottlieb] Wegner and Herman Franke's wife to Davenport. In October, 1894, Herman Franke, a prominent farmer living about three miles north of Reardan, disappeared. Many rumors were in the air, some claiming that he had been murdered; again it was claimed that he committed suicide in Wisconsin. About a month ago a searching party went over his farms, digging in several places. It was rumored a depression had been found where an old straw stack stood and which had been burned down under very suspicious circumstances. Since then the county has been petitioned to offer a reward of $500 for the apprehension of the murderers or information. It is claimed by the parties who are active in the prosecution that important testimony and strong clues have been secured, and that they have the guilty ones in sight.

MURDER CHARGED

July 23, 1897 Spokane Chronicle

Three Reardan Residents Taken Into Custody.

---

Reardan, July 23,--[Special]--Considerable excitement prevailed here yesterday afternoon when the sheriff of this county passed through town en route to Davenport with three prisoners in his charge, supposed to be the murderers of Herman Franke, who lived about two miles north of this place. About two years ago Mr. Franke was missed from his place and has never been seen nor heard from since. No particular pains were taken by any one, not even the family, to ascertain his whereabouts at the time, but it was thought that he went east and committed suicide. Recently a dispute came up between the Wagner brothers, who are brothers-in law of Mr. Franke, regarding a line of fence, which terminated in Adolph Wagner having a warrant sworn out for the arrest of his two brothers, Godlope and Frederick and their sister, Mrs. Amelia Franke, wife of Herman Franke, as having committed or being implicated in the murder of Mr. Franke. It this charge be proven true it will be the means of bringing to justice the perpetrators of one of the most cold-blooded murders ever committed in this county. Great interest is taken in the matter by residents in and around this place.

PRELIMINARY HEARING TUESDAY

July 23, 1897 Spokesman-Review

The Prisoners Are Unable to Furnish Bail and Are in Jail
Davenport, Wash., July 22--Ameilia Franke, Fred Wagner, and Godhelp Wagner, charged with the crime of murdering Herman Franke on the 25th of October, 1894, were arraigned before Justice Parks this afternoon and pleaded not guilty. The case was set for for a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. Their bail was set at $5000 each, failing to get which they were remanded back to jail to await their preliminary trial. They have engaged the law firms of Myers and Warren and Caton, Martin & McComb to defend them, while in addition to Prosecuting Attorney Brock, Sessions and Salisbury represent the state. It is understood that the defendants will set up that the murder was committed by Adolph Wagner, another brother, though the latter, it is said, was always on friendly terms with Franke, while the defendants, it is said, stood as a unit against him. It is a difficult matter to get a statement from the Wagners as they speak very little English and are somewhat illiterate. They appear to realize the enormity of the crime with which they are charged and are at high, nervous tension.

A MURDER MYSTERY

July 23, 1897 Spokesman-Review

Three Arrests at Reardan for the Murder of Herman Franke.

---

KILLED IN OCTOBER, 1894

---

His Wife and Her Two Brothers Arrested on Warrants Obtained by a Neighbor.

---

NOW IN JAIL AT DAVENPORT Davenport, July 22.--John Thyme of Rearden arrived here yesterday, appeared before Justice Parks, and caused a warrant to be sworn out for the arrest of Amelie Franke, Fred Wagner and Godhelp Wagner, living north of Reardan, charging them with being implicated in the murder of Herman Franke, who mysteriously disappeered on or about October 25, 1894.

As soon as the warrant was placed in the hands of Sheriff Devenish, with Deputies Grant and Kennedy, he went out and brought in the parties accused, placing them in jail to await their preliminary trial before Judge Parks at 10 o'clock today.

Amelie Franke was the wife of Herman Franke, and the Wagners, four boys living in the same neighborhood, are her brothers.

A few days before the disappearance of Mr. Franke, he and his wife quarreled, resulting in the arrest of the former, charged by the latter with assault and battery. Franke was fined $75 and costs, borrowing the money to pay the same from John Christian of Reardan and giving a chattel mortgage for the same. About 10 days after the mortgage was given Christian went to the home of Franke to see him on business, but Franke could not be found. It was then that suspicion of foul play was aroused. When the quarrel occurred Mrs. Franke removed to the home of her brother, Fred, where she resided until Franke had disappeared, after which she returned home.

The Frankes came from Wisconsin a little over three years ago, bringing with them $7000, which they invested in land, stock and farm machinery. Fred Wagner came to Washington 14 years ago and has resided north of Reardan most of the time. His brothers have arrived since he came. About a year after Franke disappeared, his wife secured a divorce, having previously, it is said, probated his interest in the property which they owned in common.

Fred Wagner maintains that his brother, Godhelp, and his sister are the victims of malicious prosecution and that the mystery is hidden to them as it is to everybody. He says they spent day after day looking for indications that would lead to the solution of the mystery, that they do not know whether Franke left the country or was murdered. Fred says if any one murdered Franke it must have been Adolph, another brother.

John Thyne, the prosecuting witness, is a resident of Reardan, having resided in that town the most of the time for three years. He is in the employ of W. H. Childs in the grain business. Those who know him best say he is a sharp, shrewd man, and the presumption is that he knows what he is about. He is reticent and unwilling to give any information in advance. It Is said he is a detective employed to handle the case and that he worked up the bitter enmity between Fred and hie brother Adolph, and by this means he has succeeded in getting sufficient evidence to convict those who have been arrested. At any rate, it is believed he will be able to solve the mystery.

At their last meeting the county commissioners offered $500 for the arrest and conviction of the guilty parties.

---

PRELIMINARY HEARING TUESDAY
The Prisoners Are Enable to, Furnish Bail and Are in Jail.

Davenport, Wash., July 22. Amella Franke, Fred Wagner and Godhelp Wagner, charged with the crime of murdering Herman Franke on the 25th of October, 1894, were arraigned before Justice Parks this afternoon and pleaded not guilty The case was set for preliminary hearing Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. Their bail was set at $5000 each, failing to get which they were remanded back to jail to await their preliminary trial. They have engaged the law firms of Myers & Warren and Caton, Martin & McComb to defend them, while in addition to Prosecuting Attorney Brock, Sessions & Salisbury represent the state. It is understood that the defendants will set up that the murder was committed by Adolph Wagner, another brother, though the latter, it is raid. was always en friendly terms with Franke, while the defendants, it is said, stood as a unit against him, It is a difficult matter to get a statement from the Wagners as they speak very little English and are somewhat illiterate. They appear to realize the enormity of the crime with which they are charged and are at a high nervous tension.

MRS. FRANKE ON BAIL

July 25, 1897 Spokesman-Review

---

Puts up a $5000 Bond for Her Appearance at the Trial for Murder Tuesday.

---

Davenport, July 24.--Mrs. Amelia Franke, one of the parties charged with murdering her husband, Herman Franke, on or about October 25, 1894, was released from the county jail yesterday on a bond of $5000 furnished by her two brothers, Fred and Godhelp Wagner, who are also in jail, charged with being accomplices in the same crime. There seems to be some doubt in the minds of the legal fraternity as to the constitutionality of accepting a bond at this stage of the case. The only step so far taken in the case has been the arraignment of the prisoners and their answer of not guilty. No evidence has been taken, hence the belief that Prosecuting Attorney Brock advised Justice Parks contrary to the law when he Instructed him to accept a bond from any or all of the prisoners. Section 20 of the state constitution reads: "All persons charged with crime shall be bailable by sureties except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident, or the presumption great." The construction placed upon this section presupposes a preliminary hearing, with evidence submitted, previous to the allowance of a bond for appearance. The preliminary hearing in the case of Mrs. Franke and her brothers has been set for Tuesday, July 27.

July 28, 1897 Spokesman-Review

Davenport, Wash., July 27.--The preliminary trial of Godhelp Wagner, Fred Wagner and Mrs. Amelia Franke for the murder of the husband of the latter, Herman Franke, in October, 1894, took place today before Justices Parks and Birge, sitting together. Six witnesses were examined by the state, but no evidence was given pointing to the prisoners at the bar as the guilty parties, and the case was dismissed and the defendants released upon motion of the prosecuting attorney. No witnesses for the defense were introduced.

WAGNER MAKES A REPLY

August 5, 1897 Spokesman-Review

---

He Says the Story of Murdering His Father is Ridiculously False. --- Fred Wagner, who with Gottlieb Wagner and Mrs. Amalie Franke, was arrested near Davenport, charged with the murder of Herman Franke, Mrs. Franke's husband, makes a statement of the affair to The Spokesman-Review. He said yesterday:

"There is absolutely no foundation for the charges against myself or my brother or sister. Herman Frank- three years ago was sued by my siste for about $1800, of which he lad obtained possession, but which belonged to her. My mother gave her the money in Germany. Franke was given the money in the old country and brought it out here with the intention of buying land with it. Franke had some money of his own, and all of it was sent by draft to the Davenport bank. Mrs. Franke, on account of ill treatment by Franke in the old country and here, demanded her portion of the money which had been brought from Germany. He beat and abused her on Adolph Wagner's place, near Reardan. Franke had drawn the money from the bank and taken it to Adolph Wagner's house, and had it in a trunk.

When Franke came from the old country he first stopped at my place, but Adolph Wagner, my own brother, coaxed him away from the house and took him to his place. They took all the money with them, something over $5000. My wife and myself were in Spokane, and they forcibly removed this property from my house. My mother, who was in the house at the time, attempted to stop them, but they threw her over some boxes and hurt the old lady badly and went away with the box and money. A few days after this Mrs. Franke had Franke arrested and fined for abusing her, and the children, four of them, were taken from Franke, and my sister came to my house. Franke disappeared about that time. The only reason I can give for his disappearance is that he feared further prosecution. He had gotten into the place where her clothes were kept and cut all the garments to pieces. My sister talked of having him arrested for this, and it may have caused him to leave the country.

"Not since the disappearance of Franke have I interfered with Adolph, my own brother, but now he is trying to have me sent to prison. I am accused by rumor in the paper of also killing my own father in Germany in 1871. My father died in Germany in 1881. I came here in 1874 and have made but one trip to Germany since that time, three years ago, when I went for my mother. The record of my father's death is duly attested in Germany. He died while I was thousands of miles from him. My mother, this same Adolph Wagner, a sister, and still another brother, were at his bedside when he died. There is nothing but spitework in the whole business. John Thyne, who claims to have known the family in the old country, who some people say is a detective, never knew us until he came here. Thyne came from Pommer, north Germany, and our family came from south Germany, a long way from him. Thyne and Adolph Wagner are quite intimate, and that is the reason Thyne is mixed up in these accusations."

The case was dismissed when it came up in court at Davenport.

1903 Sale of Adolph Wagner Homestead to Fred Wagner

=== 1918 Wagners Serve in WWI

• Bruno Franke
• Gustav Wagner
• Herman Wagner

Loose Ends

• From Fred Fleming. rumors of a body hauled in a box to the river
• From Sally Fleming. rumors of the mother was living alone in a shack in the country
• From Audrey Wagner. rumors that the father was an alcoholic and that he was killed by someone smashing his skull with a stick of lumber. She confirmed the story somewhat of the mother living alone. She was not liked by her children
• Amalie Franks b 28 aug 1862 d 26 jul 1943. cremated. Hulda Schumer was at Reardan as informant (registrar was Mrs Glen Wisdom). She had been in the US 49 years, implying arrival 1894. this says she was divorced.
• 1910 census has her widowed and with 2 kids: Hulda 25 (b 1885) and Bruno 16 (b 1894). They immigrated 1895 and were living in town on Spokane Ave. Amelia was a retired farmer 47. all born in Germany
• 1930 census she is 67 and Bruno 36 is living with her with no occupation.
• Bruno Franke served in WWI. Inducted at Davenport on 21 Sept 1917 and discharged 21 Feb 1919. He was in Battery F 346 F A to 20 Oct 1917; 166 Dep Brig to discharge. Private first class 24 Apr 1918, corporal 19 Aug 1918. ...he applied for naturalization 27 Mar 1917 (Signed by William Bartholomew, a barber in Davenport). This was dismissed.

DRAFT--This page is a draft. It is incomplete, not proof read and may contain research notes