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 story of domestic abuse, suicide by hanging, accusations of murder, rumors, and innuendo. The story caused a three-generation rift, so is somewhat sensitive. To report this as factually, much of the telling is through contemporaneous reporting, even though some of that is salacious. It is also told in the order of publication, even though some events are not sequentially reported. It is difficult to pick out the true facts, especially when they may remain hidden.
The Wagner Family
This story involves various members of the Wagner Family, some living in Germany, Reardan and other places. This listing of the family tree is to help alleviate some of the confusion. Those who lived at Reardan at one time or another are in bold type. "+" indicates a marriage. "|-" indicates an offspring of the above marriage. "b." indicates a year of birth and "d." indicates a death year. Where known the date of immigration is also shown.
Charles Karl Gotlieb Wagner d. 1881 + Marie Therese Rothe b.1829 d.1904 (immigrated to Reardan about 1894. She lived with Fred Wagner for a time before moving to a shack on Adolf's homestead. She was worked hard by her husband and wasn't kind to her kids.) |- 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 immigrated to US in 1874, first to Wisconsin, then to California and finally to Reardan in 1877. | + Magdelena "Lena" Gebelein b.1862 d.1911 immigrated in 1886 m.1887 | |- Gustave b.1888 d.1919 | |- Louise b.1889 | |- Herman b.1892 d.1919 | | + Martha Knutson (married 2.William Colville) | | |- Herman | | | + Geraldine | | | |- William "Bill" | | | + Nancy | |- Anne Marie b.1894 d.1968 | |- Bertha b.1896 d.1992 | | + Homer Pike | |- Rose b.1897 d.1977 | | + Guy "Dick" Fleming b.1898 d.1972 | | |- Jack b.1923 d.2000 | | |- Annabelle b.1925 | |- Minna b.1898 d.1971 | |- Margret Clare b.1905 f.1975 |- Herman b.1858 |- Amalie or Ameila b.1863 d.1943 | + Herman Franke | |- two more children mentioned in the paper? | |- Hulda Franke b. 1885 d.1953 | | + John Schumer b.c.1875 d.1938 m.1910 | | |- baby girl b.1912 d.1912 | | |- baby girl b.1912 d.1912 | | |- Clara b.1912 | | |- Anna b.1920 m.1940 | |- Bruno Franke b. 1894 d.1960 |- Mina Frieauf b.1864 d.1955 |- Pauline b.1864 |- Adolph b.1864 d.1939 (used name Carl in 1910 census) (Immigrated 1890.) | + Emma b.1868 d.1954 | |- Richard b.1891 d.1968 | | + Amelia Scharff b.1894 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 (Ida in 1910 census) | |- Emma b.1904 d.1974 |- Charles "Charlie" b.1867 or 1840 d.1931 (immigrated to Wisconsin before 1884, moved to Reardan before 1887, moved to Petaluma, CA between 1899 and 1906) | + Emma m.1884 in Oshkosh, WI. | |- eight children, seven born in Reardan |- Gustave b.1869 (was living with Gottlieb in Reardan in 1900, immigrated in 1887) |- Karl August b.1869 (suspect this is the same as Gustave above) |- Clara b. 1870 |- Gottlieb "Godhelp" b.1872 (immigrated in 1894, moved to Wyoming) (also used name Carl on some land transfers) |- Mollie b.1874 (she is mentioned in Charles' obituary as being from Reardan, but this may be confused with Amalia.
Fred Wagner Homestead
Fred Wagner left Germany in 1874 and went to California. In 1877 he moved to Reardan and homesteaded a quarter section of land about a mile north of Reardan (SE/4 S4 T25N R39EWM) in 1888. Land throughout this article is specified according the Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
Adolph Wagner Homestead
According to the census, Adolph Wagner immigrated in 1890, but he completed his homestead requirements in 1889 for a quarter section of land (SW/4 S4 T25N R39EWM) directly west of Fred Wagner's homestead.
Charles Wagner Homestead
Charles homesteaded a quarter at (E/2 E/2 S34 T26N R39EWM) on the west flanks of Gray's Butte in 1888. This is about a mile north of Fred Wagner's homestead.
Misplaced fragment??: and Charles who homesteaded about a mile north (E/2 NE/4 and W/2 SW/4 S18 T26N R39EWM).
Gotlieb Wagner Land Purchase
Gotlieb Wagner (or C.G. Wagner as recorded) purchased a quarter section of land (E/2 NW/4 and Lots 1 and 2 S18 T26N R39EWM) from Josiah Starkey in 1895. The Starkeys had homesteaded this land in 1892. This land was about 5 miles NNW of the Fred Wagner Homestead. Gotlieb sold this to John C. Green in 1897.
Herman and Amelia (Wagner) Franke Land Purchase
Herman and Amelia (Wagner) Franke purchased three quarters of land from Moore ad Catherine Getty, the namesake of the Getty Butte (or sometimes called the Zwainz Butte (NW/4 S33 R26N T39EWM, SW/4 S33 R26N T39EWM, SW/4 NW/4 and lots 2, 3, 4 S4, R25N T39EWM) in 1894. This latter quarter was later farmed by Rich and Lorraine Paul and lies about a mile northwest of the Fred Wagner homestead. The former two quarters are further north.
The Core Disputes
Adolph accused Fred of putting in a fence on his land to divide their two quarters. The book "Without a Little Teamwork You Can't Run the Ranch: Sketches of a Reardan Pioneer and His Family" indicated that Adolph has moved a fence between their properties and that Fred had sued Adolph in court. Unfortunately the records for that case have been lost.
When the Franke's bought their land, Herman but all of the land in his name. Amelia had contributed roughly a third of the money from her mother's estate and believed that one quarter should be in her name. The other two quarters were community property. Herman did not want to change the title to the land. Arguments and abuse ensued.
SUICIDE IN A SHED
November 05, 1894 Oshkosh Northwestern
UNKNOWN MAN HANGS HIMSELF
Suspended From a Rafter Six Feet 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 friends 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.
CLAIM OF HOMESTEAD
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 now and for thirteen years last 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 exceed 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.
WAGNERS 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.
PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR WAGNERS
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.
Wagners Serve in World War I (1917-1919)
- Bruno Franke. 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 for (unreadable).
- Gustav Wagner served in a Spruce Squadron out of Vancouver, WA.
- Herman Wagner appears to have served in the infantry in France, although early on he had a deferral.
- Richard Wagner served in 45th Co 166th Depot Brig, which is similar to Bruno Franke.
Where Did the Wagners Go?
Fred Wagner stayed on his home place. He and his wife had some kids including Rose (who married Dick "Guy" Fleming), Gustave and Herman. Herman married Martha Knutson and they have a son Herman Jr. Gustave and Herman are farming Fred Wagner's land and they both died from pneumonia due to Spanish influenza within two weeks of each other. Martha remarried William J. Colville and they adopted Herman, Jr. After they died, Dick Fleming took up the task of farming the land. Fred died in 1939.
Adolph Wagner 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. Adolph Wagner sold his homestead quarter (SW/4/ S4 T25N R39EWM) to Fred Wagner in 1903 and by 1911 he took a lease of the school land for the entire section (S36 T25N R39E) in addition to purchasing another half section (E/2 S25 T25N R39E).
Amelia Franke also stayed near Reardan. It appears that she was living off farm income in 1910 and 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 and her body was cremated. In 1911 Mrs. Franke has title to an 80 (N/2 SE/4 S32 T26N R39E). She must have purchased this later, although she no longer owns the half section acquired with her husband.
Hulda Franke marries John Schumer and they farmed around Reardan (NE/4 S12 T25N R38EWM, N/2 S7 T25N R39EWM, and SW/4 S7 T25N R29EWM) along the present day Schumer Road. They may have had a lease on a half quarter section just west of Reardan (S/2 NE/4 S16 T25N R39EWM). He dies in 1938 and she dies in 1953.
Bruno Franke was living with his mother in 1930. In 1942, he was committed to the Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake. He was found dead in 1960. He was hung by a belt around a fixture in a shower in an apparent suicide. In 1911 the quarter in Section 4 is still in the Herman Franke name. This may be because it was held in trust for his children. Eventually it was transferred to Bruno Franke to support him.
Charles Wagner died in 1931 in Petaluma, CA. Charles sold his land in Reardan to __ around 1902 and moved to California. Seven of Charles and Emma's eight children were born at Reardan.
Petaluma Argus-Courier 15 May 1931 p.3
C. A. WAGNER PASSED AWAY
Charles Albert Wagner, for the past 29 years one of the best known residents of Petaluma, and a retired farmer, died at his home at Cedar Grove Park ion Fridav afternoon after an i11ness of many months. He had been confined to his bed since December 17.
The head of a large family which he had reared to manhood and womanhood, he was a splendid citizen and a devoted husband and parent, and leaves many friends. He lived a home life and belonged to no organizations. For years he resided on Third street, this city, also on the "Hardin ranch on Sonoma mountains and also at Sebastopol, selling his ranch property and locating here on the old Bell homestead at Cedar Grove Park. Had he lived until June seventh, he would have attained his 81st year. He was a native of Germany.
Mr. Wagner was the beloved husband of Mrs. Emma Marie Wagner and father of Mrs. Alma Morris and Ernest Wagner of Petaluma, Mrs. Meta Enas of Napa, Walter Wagner of Bakersfield, Albert of Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Ella Jones of Sacramento, Mrs. Ida Gerhardt of Sebastopol, Albert Wagner of Honolulu and the late Otto Wagner.
He was the brother of Mrs. Mollie Franke and Fred Wagner of Reardan, Wash.; Adolphf Wagner of Spokane and Gottleib of Wyoming and also left a sister in Germany. There are eight grandchildren to mourn the passing of the patriarchal father.
The body has been removed to the Mount parlors, 216 Washington street, the funeral arrangements not having as yet been made.
Time Line
Since this story winds out over Fred Wagner's lifetime, it is important to try to sort out what happened when to make sense of the events and what happened when.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1849 July | Karl Wagner and Maria Theresia Rothe marry in Leissing, Germany. |
| 1855 | Fred is born to Karl and Maria Theresia. |
| 1874 | Fred immigrates to the US (Wisconsin, California and then Reardan). |
| 1877 | Fred arrives at Reardan. |
| ???? | Charles arrives at Reardan. |
| ???? | Gotlieb/Godhelp/Carl arrives in Reardan. |
| 1881 | Fred's father Karl dies in Germany. |
| 1888 | Fred Wagner is granted homestead on his quarter section of land. |
| 1889 | Charles Wagner is granted homestead on his quarter section of land. |
| 1889 | Adolph Wagner is granted homestead on his quarter section of land. |
| 1894 October | Amelia and Herman Franke and Fred's mother Maria move to Reardan. Herman Franke purchases three quarters of land from Moore and Catherine Getty on Getty's or Zwainz's Butte. |
| 1894 | Herman Franke disappears after being arrested for assaulting his wife. |
| 1894 | An unknown man in Oshkosh, WI hangs himself. He is presumed to the Herman Franke and presumed to be identified by Wilhelmine Wagner Rothe, one of Fred's sisters. [See news articles above.] |
| 1895 October | Gotlieb/Carl purchases a quarter of land from Josiah Starkey. |
| 1896 April | Amelia granted ownership of two of Herman Franke's three quarters: one for her original purchase capital and one for her community property. The remaining quarter remained as Herman Frank's property (and to support his children). |
| 1897 July | Fred, Amelia and Gotlieb Wagner are arrested for the murder of Herman Franke. Not enough evidence is produced to hold them over to trial. |
| 1897 July | Fred transfers a quarter to his wife Lena. This is NE/4 and lots 1 and 2 of Section 2 25N 39EWM. This may have been to protect their interest in the land or part of deal to make bail. |
| 1897 November | Gotlieb/Carl sells his a quarter of land to John C. Green. |
| 1897 November ? | Gotlieb/Godhelp/Carl leaves Reardan eventually winding up in Wyoming. |
| 190? Month ????
[about 1902 based on his obituary.] |
Charles leaves Reardan for Petaluma, CA. Ida born in Reardan was in 1898. Family is still in Reardan for the 1900 census. |
| 1902 April | Adolph Wagner transfers his homestead quarter to Fred Wagner. |
| 1904 | the Fred Wagner family moves to Spokane for Lena's health. |
| 1904 July | Fred's mother Maria Theresa dies in Reardan. She had only been in the US 10 years. Gustave, Fred and Lena's eldest child, is 16. |
| 1904 Fall | The Fred Wagner family moved again to Sebastopol, CA to be with Fred's brother Charles because of Lena's health issues and the warmer climate. |
| 1905 | Fred and Lena Wagner's youngest daughter Margret was born in Sebastopol. |
| 1906 Spring | The Fred Wagner family moves from Sebastopol to Union Park neighborhood on the lower south hill in Spokane. Fred, Lou, Gustave and Herman move to the farm to work for the summer. |
| 1906 | A new house was built on the farm for Lena and a phone was installed. Lena spends very little time in that house in the remaining years of her life. |
| 1911 | Lena dies in Petaluma, CA. (Gustave is now 23, Margaret is 5) |
| 1915 | Lou and Gustave accompany Fred to California to attend exposition. |
| 1918 | Gustave tries to get of draft for World War I. Not successful. Herman reportedly left Reardan. |
| 1918 | Gustave inducted to serve in the Army and he elects to serve in a Spruce Squadron in Aberdeen, WA. He also marries Elsie Cutler while in the service. |
| 1918 October | Herman marries Martha Knutson. |
| 1919 January | Gustave and Herman die (Gustave was 31 and Herman was 27, Margret is 14). Later in the year Gustave and Herman each have a child named after them. |
| 1939 January | Fred dies in San Francisco. His obit say he has spent winters in CA for the last 40 years (1899) [That may be an exaggeration.] |
Loose Ends
- there are threads of three stories: the land dispute between Adolph and Fred, the disappearance or murder/suicide of Herman Franke, and Fred Wagner's abandonment of his kids to spend winters in California.
- From Fred Fleming. rumors of a body hauled in a box or coffin to the river.
- From Audrey Wagner. rumors that Fred's father was an alcoholic and abusive to his wife. At a minimum, work was beneath him, so his wife did all of the heavy work. She also said that he was killed by someone smashing his skull with a stick of lumber (2x4). [Fred Wagner disputes this in a newspaper interview, so I believe this was part of the discord between Fred and Adolph.]
- from a couple of sources: Fred Wagner's mother was living alone in a shack in a field. The book says this was in the quarter west of Fred's place. This would be the Adolph Wagner homestead and, if so, likely to be his house. This would have been after he transferred the property to Fred in 1902 unless the house was elsewhere or other arrangements pertained to Adolph's land and house. The book says Fred sued Adolph for moving the fence from an "established line." Unfortunately cannot find criminal or civil case records for the time period in question. These may have been lost in the courthouse fire in the 1980s. It may have been recorded contemporaneously in local newspapers.
- there is a rumor that Fred Wagner's mother died by hanging herself on a bedpost. Cannot find Lincoln county death records for her. Again this may be recorded in local newspapers.
- Herman Wagner's entry on Find-A-Grave.com shows Martha and Herman together, perhaps a wedding photograph. Herman appears to be in a uniform. Did he serve in WWI?