The Death of Julia (Knopf) Lautsch

Date: 14 Apr 1865 to 7 Oct 1895
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, United States of America
Surnames/tags: Knopf Kansas Lautsch

The Death of Julia (Knopf) Lautsch

Julia (Knopf) Lautsch died under mysterious circumstances in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1895. What follows is a transcribed collection of the local newspaper coverage her case received, arranged in chronological order. It is interesting how the assumptions made by the reporting evolved over time, as well as the way a woman was treated in those times, identified solely by her married name, with her given name Julia not mentioned until her death months later.

The Leavenworth Standard, 20 Feb, 1895, p 1

THROUGH THE HEAD
Mrs August Lautsch Shoots Herself Today With a Revolver
DISCOVERY MADE BY A GROCERYMAN
At 3 p. m. Neither Coroner Nor Police Had Been Apprised of the Probable Suicide-Coroner McGill Goes on an Investigating Tour

“Mrs. Lautsch, wife of August Lautsch, a machinist in the employ of the Great Western Manufacturing company, attempted to commit suicide some time this forenoon by shooting herself through the head with a revolver.
It was stated by a neighbor who came down town about 2 o’clock this afternoon that when a groceryman went to the Lautsch home at 1019 Ironmoulders avenue about 11 o’clock to deliver some packages, he found Mrs. Lautsch lying on the floor in a dying condition. He stated the ball had entered the forehead between the eyes.
One of the strange features of the affair is that it was reported to neither Coroner McGill nor the police station. At 3 p. m. a STANDARD reporter called on the coroner to ascertain particulars of the affair, but this official had heard not a word about it. The Great Western Manufacturing company was called up by telephone, but nothing was know there of a suicide. The home of J. A. Cranston in the immediate neighborhood of the Lautsch residence was communicated with. Mrs. Cranston confirmed the report the Mrs. Lautsch had shot herself.
It does seem strange that the proper officials were not apprised. Coroner McGill and Deputy Constable McDonald started for the Lautsch home a few minutes after 3 to investigate.”

The Leavenworth Standard, 21 Feb, 1895, p. 1

MRS. LAUTSCH STILL ALIVE
Her Condition Such That She Cannot Possibly Survive Long

“Mrs. August Lautsch, who shot herself through the head with suicidal intent yesterday, as told in the Standard, was still alive, but very low late this afternoon. Her condition is such that she cannot possibly survive much longer. In her forehead is a hole almost as large as a silver dollar and through which the white matter of the brain protrudes. The bullet is supposed to be imbedded in the brain. Dr. Walter and Dr. Phillips, who are attending her, held a consultation this morning.
Mrs. Lautsch was born on the day Lincoln was assassinated. She has one child, a daughter about 8 years old. Frank Knopf of Shawnee street is a brother of Mrs. Lautsch. She also has a single sister who clerks for her brother.
The only reason given for the attempted suicide is that a few days ago an anonymous letter derogatory to Mrs. Lautsch’s character was thrown into her yard. The contents of this letter so preyed on her mind that reason was dethroned. Mrs Lautsch was able to talk last night and she gave the letter as the reason for her act.
Her husband is a thrifty mechanic and owns a pretty little home on Ironmoulders avenue. He has always lived happily with his wife.”

The Leavenworth Standard, 22 Feb, 1895, p. 1

IS IT MURDER?
A Belief Gaining Ground That Mrs. Lautsch Did Not Shoot Herself
CUTS ON HER HEAD
The Husband and Brother Investigating the Case
SHE IS TRYING TO TELL SOMETHING
A Slate Given Her On Which She Was Only Able to Write a Single Word
Not Believed to be an Attempted Suicide

“It is now believed that an attempt was made to murder Mrs. August Lautsch. At least this is the opinion her husband and brother have arrived at and in the light of recent discoveries this theory does not seem improbable.
Wednesday forenoon Oscar Genuit who drives a delivery wagon for Koch Bros., went to the Lautsch home on Ironmoulders avenue to deliver some groceries. He knocked on the door. Receiving no answer he finally opened it and placed the groceries on a table. As he did so he saw just a few feet away from him the form of Mrs. Lautsch prostrate on the floor. There was a terrible bullet hole in her forehead and her head was matted with blood. The eyes of the wounded woman were open and staring at him almost fixedly.
Young Genuit was greatly shocked and frightened. He soon had the neighbors on the scene. Telling the story afterward he said: Mrs. Lautsch was lying near the door leaning on her right arm, and the pistol, which afterward proved to be Lautsch’s property, lay near her to the left. She moved slightly as if to pick up the pistol, but could not.
The supposition has been all along that Mrs. Lautsch attempted suicide because she received an anonymous letter which said she was being “talked about,” and which preyed on her mind.
It has been discovered since, however, that she has two long cuts in the scalp in the form of a cross in the hair above the forehead, which it is hardly possible she could have inflicted on herself. Nor can the instrument be found with which these cuts were made.
Yesterday after much apparent effort to speak and failing, she was given a slate and wrote on it “S-a-t-u-r-d-a-y”-but was unable to write anything more. Saturday was the day the anonymous letter was put in the mail box.
Another surprising fact in connection with the case is that Mrs. Lautsch’s face was not powder burned as it naturally would have been had she fired the shot which is so likely to end her life. The condition of the wounded woman today is apparently unchanged.
Lautsch and Frank Knopf, Mrs. Lautsch’s brother, are trying to find the author of the anonymous letter, and to the best of their ability are investigating the case. Mr. Knopf said this afternoon that Mrs. Lautsch was in his store Saturday before she received the letter and was in the best of humor. She told him that she was getting ready to attend the Turner’s masquerade. The Lautschs have a little girl aged 8 who was at school when the tragedy occurred.
The pistol used was a rusty one that had been about the house for years and it contained a single load.

The Leavenworth Times, 22 Feb 1895, Friday, p. 4

Mrs. Lautsch is Still Alive.

Mrs. August Lautsch, who shot herself in the head with suicidal intent on Wednesday afternoon, was still alive at a late hour last night. She was reported as growing weaker and it was not thought that she could hold out much longer, although her physicians are quoted as having said that there was a slight show for her to live.
No effort has been made to extract the bullet from her brain and the doctors’ efforts have been confined so far to a simple dressing of the wound. She recognizes her friends and seems to be conscious nearly all of the time.
The letter thrown in her yard by some vicious person has been found and her friends claim that her attempt at suicide is due entirely to her receiving the same.

The Leavenworth Standard, 23 Feb 1895, Saturday, p. 1

THE LAUTSCH CASE
Opinions Divided as to How Mrs. Lautsch’s Wounds Were Inflicted
HER THROAT SWOLLEN AND BRUISED The Anonymous Letter and a Sensational Newspaper Article Which Are Supposed to Have Some Direct Connection With the Case

The theory that Mrs. August Lautsch did not kill herself is not given much credence in the Lautsch neighborhood. But the opinion of the neighborhood does not count for so much in the case, however, because there seems to have been a general neighborhood row, or ill feeling, affecting the Lautsch’s and others.
This probably was the cause of the anonymous letter which mentioned the names of several of the neighbors.
The unknown writer also warned Mrs. Lautsch not to show the letter to her husband. She disregarded the warning, however, and he and some of the women of the neighborhood were shown it.
It is also said that a sensational newspaper last Sunday contained an obscurely written article reflecting on Mrs. Lautsch and a “retired grocer.” Names were not mentioned, but it is believed the source of the letter and the newspaper paragraph are the same and the publisher of the newspaper will probably be communicated with to find out who this person is.
Mrs. Windelbandt, who lives near the Lautsch’s, borrowed some dress patterns from Mrs. Lautsch a short time before the tragedy and she says Mrs. Lautsch told her she could have them all, and that she wouldn’t need them any longer because something was going to happen.
Mrs. Lautsch, so the neighbors say, was in Mrs. Crecelius’ grocery store a half hour before she is supposed to have shot herself, and repeated there that something was going to happen soon at the Lautsch house.
Frank Knopf, Mrs. Lautsch’s brother, sais\d yesterday that the pistol which was found near Mrs. Lautsch contained but one load. This is contradicted by Oscar Genuit, who was the first to discover the tragedy. Among the neighbors who entered the house when Genuit gave the alarm was Robert Hertel. He picked up the pistol and excitedly began punching the cartridges out in such a reckless manner that the persons near him began to scatter. Then Hertel, or some other person, carried Mrs. Lautsch to a lounge and placed her on it.

THE LETTER SENT TO MRS LAUTSCH.
A STANDARD reporter this afternoon secured a copy of the anonymous letter sent to Mrs. Lautsch. It reads as follows:
“Mrs. Lautsch-Richard Koch and Hertel have been a spy in your family for some time. They are paid by Mrs. Ringel. She is doing all she can to ruin your character. They are trying to rob your property. Don’t let your husband see this until it is called for as he might do more harm than good, as he is not true to you. Go tell Mrs. Crecelius all about it and ask her to be a friend to you but don’t let her see this letter until called for. They claim to have enough proof to do you up good in the Sun.
FROM A GOOD FRIEND”

MORE SCANDAL MONGERING.
The article published in the sensational newspaper, which is presumed to have originated from the same source as the letter, was found together with the letter in the bosom of Mrs. Lautsch’s dress after the tragedy. The clipping reads as follows:
“Rumblings loud, deep and long are heard emanating from the west end of town. There is trouble brewing up there sure as fate, and its coming to the surface. A retired groceryman, a frisky married woman and an unsuspecting but loving husband are the principal figures in this romance. The grocery man resides on South street and has quite a reputation as a masher. The lady lives in the west part of town, is pretty, flirtatious and fond of admiration. She probably gets a surfeit from this groceryman, as he calls on her quite frequently and stays late. He claims his affection is purely Platonic, but if the unsuspecting husband finds out what is going on he is liable to have a different opinion about the matter.”
Robert Hertel is a house and sign painter. The homes of the Hertels and Lautsch’s adjoin each other. The families have not been on speaking terms and the Lautschs had forbidden them the house some time ago.

BRUISES FOUND ON MRS. LAUTSCH’S THROAT.
In addition to the cuts on her forehead, Mrs. Lautsch appears to have been choked. Her throat is very much swollen, is blue in spots and is apparently very sore, and there are also bruised places on her face. It has been suggested that Mrs. Lautsch might have produced the cuts found on her head with some scissors discovered in the house, but no good reason appears for such a supposition. But for the presence of a revolver when she was found on the floor there might be some doubt that the ragged hole in her forehead was made by a bullet at all. No bullet has yet been taken from the wound. The wounded woman shows signs of consciousness occasionally and her husband is a devoted attendant at her bedside. She has so far been able to communicate nothing.
Dr. Phillips, one of the attending physicians, declares that Mrs. Lautsch’s face was burned.

The Leavenworth Times, 24 Feb 1895, Sunday, p. 4

MAY LIVE SIX DAYS
Mrs. Lautsch Likely to Last a Few Days Longer—Claim to Know Who Wrote Her a Letter.

There were no new developments in the case of Mrs. August Lautsch yesterday. She is not able to make signs as well as she could at first and is not conscious as much of the time. There is very little hope for her recovery. A physician stated last evening that she would probably hold out six days from the time she shot herself, but she must possess wonderful vitality to do that.
Her brother said last night that she spoke of going down town the day before she attempted to kill herself to have the parties arrested who threw the scandalous letter in her yard. He intimated that relatives knew who wrote the letter, but that they were not ready to make it public yet.
He thinks that she was choked and struck on the head by some blunt instrument.
The opinion of the police and those who were around the place just after she was discovered, is that it is a case of attempted, suicide, pure and simple.

The Leavenworth Standard, 25 Feb 1895, Monday, p. 1

MRS LAUTSCH BETTER
Apparently Getting Well, It is Said, She Can Live Only Till Wednesday.
THE SUICIDE THEORY MORE DOUBTFUL
Her Wounds So Numerous That a Belief She Inflicted Them Seems Untenable—Occasional Efforts Made to Speak—Persons Recognized.

Mrs. August Lautsch was much better today and was able to take nourishment with her own hands.
When her brother, Frank Knopf, entered her room this morning she held out her hand to him as a sign of recognition and greeting.
Mrs. Lautsch is partially paralyzed and unable to speak as a result of the terrible injuries she received, but it seems to be more and more probable that a bullet did not make a greater wound in her forehead. Since her wounds have been dressed and redressed and all the blood removed from her face and head, the extent of her injuries and their character has been brought more plainly to view.
All one side of the wounded woman’s head is bruised and cut as if she had been beaten with the hammer of the pistol in the hands of an assailant. It is hardly possible the wounds could have been self inflicted. There are also two cuts behind the ear forming a cross like the two that were found on her forehead.
The pistol with which Mrs. Lautsch is supposed to have shot herself is of small caliber, a No. 32, while the hole and broken places in her forehead take up several inches of surface. Mrs. Lautsch might have shot herself but it is not likely nor probable that she could have inflicted all the other wounds. One eye is injured and is black and swollen, as if a misdirected blow had struck it. A pistol ball passing behind the eye might have this effect, but as this on presumptively entered the middle of the forehead and above and between the eyes it hardly seems probable that it could have taken this course.
Another peculiar thing in connection with the numerous wounds and their extent, is the swollen and bruised throat of the wounded woman, with what corresponds to finger marks upon it as if she had also been choked.

THEORY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER ADVANCED
If an attempt was made to murder Mrs. Lautsch, which now seems altogether reasonable, the writer of the anonymous letter is the person toward whom suspicion must point. Half an hour or more before the event is supposed to have happened. Mrs. Lautsch was in the Crecelius grocery store, near her home, talking about the letter to Mrs. Crecelius. She told Mrs. Crecelius that she thought she knew who wrote it and that she was going down town to talk it over with her brother and have the writer prosecuted. She cried a little, while talking about it and then left for her home where she expected to prepare the noonday meal and then dress herself for the street, that she might go down town directly afterwards. That she persevered in this purpose is evident because when found later in apparently a dying condition, she had her hair arranged in the manner she wears it when on the street and had partly arranged other matters of her dress to correspond.
In some way, it is presumed that the author of the letter got wind of Mrs. Lautsch’s intention and determined to get the letter away from her. This person might have thought that it could be done without resorting to violence afterwards using force for fear that the attempt to get possession of the letter would be used as more incriminating evidence. At any rate a struggle between this person and Mrs. Lautsch, who is a strong woman, is supposed to have ensued resulting in her being beaten into insensibility and left on the floor.
Mrs. Lautsch’s presumptive assailant, then, it is possible, made a hurried search for the letter, which, it will be remembered, she had concealed with the newspaper clipping in the bosom of her dress. There was no time to make a careful search for it because the noon hour was near and Lautsch would return from work and the little girl from school—and so the hiding place of the letter was not discovered. About this time Oscar Genuit, the delivery clerk with the groceries, arrived at the house and getting no answer to his repeated knocks pushed the door open to put the groceries inside. How he foun Mrs. Lautsch and gave the alarm has appeared in print.
Mrs. Lautsch is receiving careful nursing and from time to time is given nourishment under which she seems to be improving. She tries occasionally to speak to those about her, but as yet has been unable to. Notwithstanding this apparent improvement, however, Dr. Phillips is of the opinion that she will not live longer than Wednesday.

The Leavenworth Standard, 26 Feb 1895, Tuesday, p. 1

MRS. LAUTSCH NON COMMITTAL.
She Does Not Affirm Nor Deny That Her Injuries Are Self-Inflicted.

Mrs. August Lautsch continues apparently to improve. In answer to questions she nods in reply, if the answer is an affirmative one. She has been asked several times if her injuries were self-inflicted, but so far her answers have been non committal. A motion of the hand to the spot where she fell has been the only reply or indication that she understood.
The physicians think what has been taken for bruised spots on her face are simply a manifestation of ecchymosis produced by the extravasation or effusion of blood from the wound on her head. There are, however, some cuts about the head that are not to be accounted for in this way.

The Leavenworth Times, 26 Feb 1895, Tuesday, p. 4

Expected to Last Two Days Longer.

Relatives of Mrs. August Lautsch reported yesterday evening that she was getting along well, and they have great hopes that she will ultimately recover. Her mind is said to be clearer that at any time since she attempted self-destruction.
Her physicians only expect her to last about two days longer. There was much scandalous gossip, but nothing new about her attempted suicide since Saturday.

The Leavenworth Times, 27 Feb 1895, Wednesday, p. 4

There was no change in the condition of Mrs. Lautsch yesterday. It was reported that she was very bright at one time and an effort was made, without success, to have her tell about the wound in her head.

The Leavenworth Times, 28 Feb 1895, Thursday, p. 4.

Mrs. Lautsch Improving Slowly.

Mrs. Lautsch condition was considerably improved yesterday, and her relatives are becoming quite hopeful that she will recover. She is conscious most of the time now, and she also suffers more pain that at first.
Her relatives became dissatisfied with the manner of medical treatment she had been receiving and Tuesday they secured the services of another physician. The new doctor dressed her wound carefully Tuesday and yesterday, and Mrs. Lautsch’s friends think her apparent change for the better is mainly due to this.

The Leavenworth Standard, 1 Mar 1895, Friday, p. 1.

HERTEL HELD.
Arrested and Bound Over in Connection With the Lautsch Case.
HE CLAIMS INNOCENCE.
But Asserts That He Was in a Measure Responsible for the Deed.
BOUND OVER FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.
The Warrant Sworn Out by Frank Knopf, Mrs. Lautsch’s Brother.
Hertel’s Suspicious Actions Responsible for His Arrest—An Admission That an Intimacy Existed Between Him and Mrs. Lautsch—His Statement in the Justice’s Court—Mrs. Lautsch Continuing to Improve.

Robert Hertel is now under arrest for the attempted murder of Mrs. Lautsch, the wife of his next door neighbor.
The theory of his connection with the case which was at first thought to have been an attempt at suicide, appeared in the STANDARD several days ago.
Hertel is believed to have gone to the house to get possession of the anonymous letter which made scandalous assertions concerning him and Mrs. Lautsch and which Mrs. Lautsch had threatened she would use to prosecute the sender. The presumption is Mrs. Lautsch refused to give it to him, that a struggle ensued and that he beat her to insensibility and left her, first making a hurried search for the letter.
It will be remembered when Mrs. Lautsch’s condition was discovered Hertel was among the first who went into the house and that he picked up a pistol, with which the woman was supposed to have shot herself in the head, and in an excited manner removed all the cartridges from it. This with other peculiar actions of Hertel, before that day and since, are responsible for his present predicament.
After the tragedy Hertel is reported to have gone to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Berger, the parents of Mrs. Lautsch and to have said that the tragedy was a heavy load on his heart, or as he expressed it in metaphor peculiar to the German language, “Oh! Mr. Berger it feels so heavy round my heart.”
Berger, who is a gardener, told Hertel if he didn’t leave his premises he would run a pitchfork through him.
At another place Hertel is reported to have said that if he thought he, Hertel, would go to the penitentiary he would shoot himself.

THE WARRANT ISSUED FEB. 27.
The warrant for Hertel’s arrest was issued by Justice Bond last Thursday on information sworn to by Frank Knopf, brother of Mrs. Lautsch. It was placed in the hands of Detective George Sutton who wanted to make the arrest without further delay. He had before satisfied himself that the right man had been found. Marshal Maduska thought the arrest should be deferred for a time. He hoped there might be further developments that would throw more light on the subject. Justice Bond backed up Detective Sutton and almost insisted that the warrant be served immediately, as it was feared Hertel might leave town.
Instead of serving the warrant the detective kept Hertel under complete surveillance, watching the house by night and by day. Last night he and Capt. Murphy of the police department went to the Hertel home on Ironmoulders avenue to make the arrest. They heard in the neighborhood that he was not in, so they did not enter. This morning it was determined to take the suspect into custody if he could be found. A stranger was sent to the Hertel home on an ostensible business errand. He saw the man wanted and conversed with him. On his return he reported to the officers. Detective Sutton and Capt. Murphy went straight to Hertel’s house and there arrested him.

HE HAS LITTLE TO SAY.
When the warrant was read Hertel was visibly affected and said little. He was too badly scared to do much talking. After a brief delay he was escorted to the police station. It was about 11 o’clock when the officers arrived with their prisoner. For a half hour he was subjected to a close examination in the chief’s private office. He made no confession of guilt, but did acknowledge, say the officers, that he had been criminally intimate with Mrs. Lautsch. He denied that he had tried to murder her.

HIS BOND FIXED AT $10,000.
From the police station Hertel was taken to Justice Bond’s court and formally arraigned on the charge of assault with intent to kill. He entered a plea of not guilty and was remanded for a hearing. His bond was fixed at $10,000 and he was taken to jail just before 12 o’clock by Detective Sutton. The preliminary trial is set for March 9.
Justice Bond stated to a STANDARD reporter this afternoon that while in the court room Hertel in reply to a question as to whether he had really assaulted Mrs. Lautsch, said:
“I am responsible for a part of it, but she is responsible for the rest.”
It is construed he meant Mrs. Lautsch when he said “she.” The prisoner’s conversation in the main was rambling and his meaning often obscure.
The arrest of Hertel has created a sensation. Not until the STANDARD brought out many of the mysteries of the peculiar case did the public suspect anything beyond an attempt on the part of Mrs. Lautsch to commit suicide.

SUTTON SAYS HE HAS THE MAN
Detective Sutton went to work quietly on the case a week ago and it was not long till he began to suspect it was an attempt to commit murder. The more he delved into the mysteries and circumstances of the case the stronger grew his conviction that a horrible crime had been committed. The detective is now as positive as anyone could be that Mrs. Lautsch did not attempt to take her own life and that the right man is in custody. He believes fully that if Hertel had been arrested two days ago, when Mrs. Lautsch appeared to be recovering that he would have told all he knows about the case.

AN OMINOUS SIGN
For several days Mrs. Lautsch has to all appearances understood everything that has been said to her and rightly interpreted all questions propounded by her brother and others. When asked who assaulted her she would invariably point toward the Hertel house which is the first immediately west of her own. This ominous sigh is construed to be sufficient to arouse suspicion and warrant an arrest.

THE REVOLVER THAT WAS FOUND
It will be remembered that when Mrs. Lautsch was found a revolver was lying on the floor near her. There was one empty shell in the cylinder. Hertel, it is stated, in the meantime took the weapon and jerked out the loads. The revolver was examined by experts and they say it had not been fired for probably a year. They also declare the empty shell was quite old and had been exploded many months before. There was no fresh smoke or other marks on the weapon, which was the property of the Lautsches.
Many do not believe that Mrs. Lautsch was shot at all, but are firm in the belief that the ghastly wound in her head was made by a blow from some pointed instrument.

MRS. LAUTSCH STEADILY IMPROVING.
The condition of Mrs. Lautsch meanwhile continues to improve. It has been nine days now since she received or inflicted the wounds about her head and throat and although she is still unable to speak, she is much brighter and easier. The swelling in the throat has subsided and she can take nourishment with less pain. It is also thought she is able to see with the eye which was so badly injured.

The Leavenworth Times, 2 Mar 1895, Saturday, p. 4.

DID HE ASSAULT HER?
Robt. Hertel Arrested for Trying to Murder Mrs. Lautsch.

Yesterday morning Robt. Hertel was placed under arrest on a warrant sworn out by Frank Knopf, who charges him with having attempted to murder his sister, Mrs. August Lautsch on Wednesday a week ago. The arrest caused considerable talk in the city and many believe that Hertel is responsible for Mrs. Lautsch’s present unfortunate condition.
From the first her relatives have refused to believe that she shot herself, and they have been working on the theory that some one attempted to murder her. For the last few days the police have been aiding them to find the guilty party, which ended in Hertel’s arrest on a strong chain of circumstantial evidence yesterday.
He is known to have been on friendly terms with the Lautsch family, and he says since his arrest, that he had been criminally intimate with the woman. For a few days after she was found hurt, and it was thought that she would die, he was in good spirits and attended balls and parties. But when it appeared that she was liable to recover he changed and became very despondent. He even hid from the public, and for the last two days it was hard to tell whether he was in the city or not. The warrant for his arrest was sworn out before Justice Bond Wednesday and he would have been arrested that evening if he could have been found.
The theory of Detective Sutton and the officers interested in working up the case, is that he had a quarrel with the woman and beat her on the head with the old rusty revolver found in the house. This revolver has been examined by experts and it shows no signs of having been discharged. There is dry blood up the muzzle of it, which indicates that it had been used to hammer Mrs. Lautsch’s skull in with.
Mr. Knopt, the brother of Mrs. Lautsch, says that she was overheard to say on the morning she was injured, that she intended having the persons arrested who threw the scandalous letter in her yard, and he thinks they tried to kill her to prevent her from carrying out the threat. He is indignant at Hertel for trying to blacken her character.
When arrested Hertel said the woman loved him better than her husband and that he was the cause of her being in trouble. He was greatly worried and told some stories that conflicted a little. On leaving his home, his wife told him to tell the truth, and seemed as nervous as he was. She is a very large woman and Mrs. Lautsch’s relatives think she caused her, Mrs. Lautsch, much trouble. They expect to make other arrests within a few days.
Hertel was placed under $10,000 bond which he could not furnish and is now in the county jail.
A TIMES reporter visited him last evening and requested him to make a statement for the public and tell all he knew about the affair. He talked a great deal but it was all to prove that he was innocent and knew absolutely nothing about how Mrs. Lautsch received her injuries. He declared many times over that he cold prove an alibi by his wife and son, and that he was not near the Lautsch house except to get a bucket of water during the day she was hurt until called in by the boy who discovered her lying on the chair. He was nervous while talking and seemed ill at ease. Hertel is a painter by trade and is well spoken of by those who know him.

The Leavenworth Standard, 2 Mar 1895, Saturday, page 1

HERTEL’S LAWYERS.
He Has Retained W. C. Hook and John H. Atwood to Defend Him.

A great many people are talking today about the arrest of Robert Hertel, sr., for the alleged attempt upon the life of Mrs. August Lautsch. It is pretty generally believed that he, if guilty, had an accomplice, and that there may be another arrest before many days. Hertel has retained W. C. Hook and J. H. Atwood to defend him, which goes to show he will make a strong fight for his liberty. Mrs. Lautsch’s condition continues to improve.
Hertel was brought into Justice Bond’s court this morning by mistake, the sheriff not having received the commitment for the prisoner. It was made out yesterday, however, when Hertel was arraigned. Those who saw him in charge of Constable Jackson concluded he was going to tell something and there were all sorts of rumors in consequence.

The Leavenworth Times, 3 Mar 1895, Sunday, page 5.

Mrs. Lautsch Improving Rapidly.

There was no new developments in the Lautsch case yesterday. Mrs. Lautsch continues to improve, and her chances for recovery are said to be very good.
Her suspected assaulter, Robt. Hertel, stoutly maintains that he had nothing to do with injuring her, and that a job is being put upon him. He has secured able attorneys and will make a big legal fight to avoid the penitentiary.

The Leavenworth Times, 5 Mar 1895, Tuesday, page 5

Mrs. August Lautsch was reported as being on the rapid road to recovery yesterday. Her relatives think that she will be able in the course of a few weeks to tell all about the affair that nearly ended her life.

The Leavenworth Times, 6 Mar 1895, Wednesday, page 5.

Mrs. Lautsch continues to improve steadily and the bruise on her head has started to heal up. The swelling over her eye has also gone down considerably within the last two days.

The Leavenworth Weekly Times, 7 Mar 1895, Thursday, page 3.
(Repeat of 2 Mar story)
DID HE ASSAULT HER?
Robt. Hertel Arrested for Trying to Murder Mrs. Lautsch.

Friday morning Robt. Hertel was placed under arrest on a warrant sworn out by Frank Knopf, who charges him with having attempted to murder his sister, Mrs. August Lautsch on Wednesday two weeks ago. The arrest caused considerable talk in the city and many believe that Hertel is responsible for Mrs. Lautsch’s present unfortunate condition.
From the first her relatives have refused to believe that she shot herself, and they have been working on the theory that some one attempted to murder her. For the last few days the police have been aiding them to find the guilty party, which ended in Hertel’s arrest on a strong chain of circumstantial evidence yesterday.
He is known to have been on friendly terms with the Lautsch family, and he says since his arrest, that he had been criminally intimate with the woman. For a few days after she was found hurt, and it was thought that she would die, he was in good spirits and attended balls and parties. But when it appeared that she was liable to recover he changed and became very despondent. He even hid from the public, and for the last two days it was hard to tell whether he was in the city or not. The warrant for his arrest was sworn out before Justice Bond Wednesday and he would have been arrested that evening if he could have been found.
The theory of Detective Sutton and the officers interested in working up the case, is that he had a quarrel with the woman and beat her on the head with the old rusty revolver found in the house. This revolver has been examined by experts and it shows no signs of having been discharged. There is dry blood up the muzzle of it, which indicates that it had been used to hammer Mrs. Lautsch’s skull in with.
Mr. Knopt, the brother of Mrs. Lautsch, says that she was overheard to say on the morning she was injured, that she intended having the persons arrested who threw the scandalous letter in her yard, and he thinks they tried to kill her to prevent her from carrying out the threat. He is indignant at Hertel for trying to blacken her character.
When arrested Hertel said the woman loved him better than her husband and that he was the cause of her being in trouble. He was greatly worried and told some stories that conflicted a little. On leaving his home, his wife told him to tell the truth, and seemed as nervous as he was. She is a very large woman and Mrs. Lautsch’s relatives think she caused her, Mrs. Lautsch, much trouble. They expect to make other arrests within a few days.
Hertel was placed under $10,000 bond which he could not furnish and is now in the county jail. A TIMES reporter visited him Friday evening and requested him to make a statement for the public and tell all he knew about the affair. He talked a great deal but it was all to prove that he was innocent and knew absolutely nothing about how Mrs. Lautsch received her injuries. He declared many times over that he cold prove an alibi by his wife and son, and that he was not near the Lautsch house except to get a bucket of water during the day she was hurt until called in by the boy who discovered her lying on the chair. He was nervous while talking and seemed ill at ease.
Hertel is a painter by trade and is well spoken of by those who know him.

The Leavenworth Standard, 7 Mar 1895, Thursday, page 4.

Mrs. Lautsch is now experiencing the after effects of the frightful wounds on her head and is at time delirious. She is constantly watched day and night. At times the pain racks her entire body. After these convulsions have passed she grows quiet and appears to be much better. The wounds are slowly healing. Mrs. Lautsch’s intense suffering has greatly emaciated her, though she partakes of nutritious foods regularly.

The Leavenworth Times, 10 Mar 1895, Sunday, page 5

The preliminary examination of Robert Hertel was called in Justice Bond’s court yesterday and postponed until next Friday morning. Mrs. Lautsch’s friends asked for farther time.

The Leavenworth Standard, 23 Mar 1895, Saturday, page 1.

REDUCED TO $2,000
Hertel to be Released on Bond—His Case Called This Morning
DR. LAUER ON THE WITNESS STAND.
Case Continued Because of Mrs. Lautsch’s Condition—An Effort Will be Made to Take Her Deposition Early Next Week.

The case of the state against Robert Hertel, sr., charged with attempting to kill Mrs. August Lautsch some six weeks ago, was called for a hearing in Justice bond’s court at 10 o’clock this morning. After a preliminary skirmish between the prosecution and the attorneys for the defense the hearing was continued till next Wednesday morning.
This is the third continuance of the case and when it comes up next week the counsel for the defendant will insist on the hearing being proceeded with. The hearing has gone over from time to time in the hope that Mrs. Lautsch’s condition might improve sufficiently to admit of her giving testimony.
Dr. A. Lauer was placed on the witness stand this morning to testify to Mrs. Lautsch’s present condition. While she is conscious and appears to understand what goes on about her, she is still unable to exercise the power of speech. She is able at times to write a little, but her emaciated condition precludes any satisfactory results from this source. To show that her understanding is not so badly impaired she stops and crossed out a wrong letter when she makes one in writing. Three or four days ago her condition was more alarming than usual and it was feared she was about to pass away. She is now much better.
Justice Bond ordered this morning that an effort be made between now and next Wednesday to take Mrs. Lautsch’s deposition at her home. The oral questions put to her are to be answered by signs or in writing. The process promises to be an interesting one.
On application of this attorneys Mr. Hertels bond was reduced this morning from $10,000 to $2,000. An effort for a further reduction of $500 was made without success. It was expected that bail would be furnished this afternoon.

The Leavenworth Times, 23 Mar 1895, Saturday, page 4.

The preliminary hearing of Robert Hertel on the charge of assaulting Mrs. Lautsch is set for today in a justice court. It will likely be postponed again on account of some witnesses not being able to attend.

The Leavenworth Times, 24 Mar 1895, Sunday, page 4.

HERTEL OUT ON BOND
Preliminary Trial Again Postponed and His Bond Reduced to $2,000.

The preliminary trial of Robt. Hertel, charged with assaulting Mrs. Lautsch, did not come off yesterday and it was postponed until next Wednesday. When the case was called in Justice Bond’s court yesterday morning the prosecution asked for farther delay. It is understood the prosecution wants the trial postponed until Mrs. Lautsch is able to appear in court and testify.
The defense asked that Hertel’s bond be reduced from $10,000 to $2,000. After a brief argument the request was granted.
William Miller, Gus. Stahl and F. G. Markart went on the bond and Hertel was liberated from the county jail yesterday afternoon.

The Leavenworth Standard, 27 Mar 1895, Thursday, p.1.

The Hertel Case Postponed Again.

The case of the state against Robert Hertel, Sr., was again continued in Justice Bond’s court this morning, this time till April 6. There was an understanding between the attorneys before the case was called that it should go over to another day. Mrs. Lautsch has been unable to depose as yet.

The Leavenworth Weekly Times, 28 Mar 1895, Thursday, page 8.
(Repeat of 24 Mar article)
HERTEL OUT ON BOND
Preliminary Trial Again Postponed and His Bond Reduced to $2,000.

The preliminary trial of Robt. Hertel, charged with assaulting Mrs. Lautsch, did not come off Saturday and it was postponed until next Wednesday. When the case was called in Justice Bond’s court Saturday morning the prosecution asked for farther delay. It is understood the prosecution wants the trial postponed until Mrs. Lautsch is able to appear in court and testify.
The defense asked that Hertel’s bond be reduced from $10,000 to $2,000. After a brief argument the request was granted.
William Miller, Gus. Stahl and F. G. Markart went on the bond and Hertel was liberated from the county jail Saturday afternoon.

The Leavenworth Times, 28 Mar 1895, Thursday, page 4.

Waiting for Mrs. Lautsch to Get Well.

Robert Hertel was brought into Justice Bond’s court for a preliminary trial again yesterday forenoon. The hearing will not likely take place until Mrs. Lautsch can appear in court as a witness and another postponement was made until April 6th.

The Leavenworth Standard, 6 Apr 1895, Saturday, page 1.

REDUCED TO $1,000.,
Robert Hertel to be Released Today—His Case Again Postponed.

The case wherein Robert Hertel, sr., is charged with assaulting Mrs. August Lautsch was called for preliminary hearing in Justice Bond’s court this morning and was continued for ten days. A good deal of preliminary skirmishing was engaged in by the state and the attorneys for the defense. This is the fifth or sixth time the hearing has been put off.
Dr. J. A. Lane and Dr. A. Lauer testified this morning as to the condition of the prosecuting witness. The testimony of both showed conclusively that Mrs. Lautsch is in no way capable of testifying either orally or in writing at the present time. It was also shown by the testimony of the doctors that no definite time when she may be able to tell what she knows may be fixed.
On application of counsel for the defense the court reduced Mr. Hertel’s bond from $2,000 to $1,000. It was stated at noon that he would furnish bail and be released this afternoon.

The Leavenworth Standard, 6 Apr 1895, Saturday, page 4.

Mrs. August Lautsch, for whose injuries Robert Hertel is awaiting examination, is still unable to speak, though she seems to continue to improve.

The Leavenworth Standard, 15 Apr 1894, Monday, page 4.

Mrs. August Lautsch is said to be improving slowly and will probably be able to tell her story before long. The case of Robert Hertel, sr., her alleged assailant, will be called in Justice Bond’s court for a hearing tomorrow morning.

The Leavenworth Standard, 17 Apr 1894, Wednesday, page 4.

HERTEL RELEASED
Justice Bond Lets Him Go This Morning on His Own Recognizance.

The case of the state against Robert Hertel, Sr., charged with feloniously assaulting Mrs. August Lautsch, was again called for preliminary hearing in Justice Bond’s court at 10 o’clock this morning.
The state was not ready to proceed and the examination had to again [be] continued.
Drs. Lauer and Lane were placed on the witness stand to testify regarding Mrs. Lautsch’s condition. In their opinion the prosecuting witness is not now able to clear up the mystery and may never be. She can talk some, but answers questions affirmatively and negatively without regard to meaning. When asked if Hertel inflicted the wound in her head she said “no,” and a little later she answered “yes” to the same question.
The case was continued till next Saturday and Mr. Hertel released on his own recognizance. The justice did not think it right to keep him in jail any longer when there is nothing stronger than suspicion against him.

The Leavenworth Times, 18 Apr 1895, Thursday, page 4.

PRACTICALLY SET FREE
Hertel Not Likely to be Held for Trial.

When the Hertel case was called up in Justice Bond’s court yesterday morning Doctors Lane and Lauer were put on the witness stand and testified that Mrs. Lautsch was not in a condition to five intelligent testimony about anything yet, and in their opinion, there was considerable doubt if she ever would be able to.
Unless she can give testimony against Hertel there seems to be very little chance of ever convicting him of assaulting her.
At the request of the state the further hearing of the case was continued until Saturday morning. In the meantime all bond has been taken off Hertel and he has been left go on his own recognizance.

The Leavenworth Times, 26 May 1895, Sunday, page 4.

Reward to Capture Mrs. August Lautsch’s Assailant.

Govenor Morrill issued a proclamation yesterday afternoon offering a reward of $100 for the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who recently committed an assault on Mrs. Julia Lautsch. The crime was committed February 20. The proclamation was issued upon the solicitation of the Leavenworth county authorities.

The Leavenworth Weekly Times, 30 May 1895, Thursday, page 3.
(Repeat of 26 May article)
Reward to Capture Mrs. August Lautsch’s Assailant.

Govenor Morrill issued a proclamation Saturday afternoon offering a reward of $100 for the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who recently committed an assault on Mrs. Julia Lautsch. The crime was committed February 20. The proclamation was issued upon the solicitation of the Leavenworth county authorities.

The Leavenworth Standard, 6 June 1895, Thursday, page 1.

DOUBLE THE REWARD
Friends of Mrs. Lautsch add $100 to the Reward of the Govenor.
NOT ABLE TO SPEAK; GETTING WELL
The Wounded Woman Tries to Talk but Can Only Utter a Jumble of Disconnected Syllables—Her Writing Equally Incoherent.

In addition to the $100 reward offered by the governor the friends of Mrs. Julia Lautsch today offered a reward of $100 for evidence which will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who assaulted Mrs. Lautsch at her home in Stillings’ addition Feb. 20.
While Mrs. Lautsch has so far recovered from her wounds as to walk about the house unassisted, she is, so far, only able to speak a single word. She can say “yes” in response to a question but beyond this she endeavors to convey her meaning by signs. Her brother, Frank Knopf, says when she attempts to speak she gets the syllables of the words all jumbled up. In writing it is the same way. She seems unable to express a sequence of ideas or even a short sentence. Mr. Knopf had her make figures beginning with number 1. She was fairly successful at this but when she got to 5 she made the figure backward and was unable to go higher, though she could copy the figures he made for her accurately with much pains.
Mrs. Lautsch is being cared for at the home of her mother. She sews a little and sometimes attempts to assist in the housework but as the family fear to have her do such work they urge her to desist and she complies.
From time to time during her long period of convalescence the physician attending her has probed the wound in her head and taken out broken bits of skull. These searchings of the wound always make her condition worse for the time being.
There is still as much doubt as ever whether the large ragged hole in her forehead was made by a pistol ball or some blunt instrument. Meanwhile she is receiving the best of care and may be taken to her own home, where the assault occurred, in a few days.
Robert Hertel, who is suspected of having committed the assault and who is now awaiting trial for it, is at liberty having been released on his own recognizance.

The Leavenworth Standard, 18 June 1985, Tuesday, page 1.

HERTEL DISCHARGED
The Mystery of the Wounding of Mrs. Lautsch Still Unsolved.
JUSTICE BOND HAS SET HERTEL FREE
His Act Based on a Motion Made by the County Attorney—Mrs. Lautsch Still Unable to Tell Her Story and Clear up the Mystery

Robert Hertel, sr., suspected of committing the murderous assault that came so near ending the life of Mrs. August Lautsch last February, was finally discharged this morning by Justice Bond. He had been out of confinement on his own recognizance for the past two or three months, during which time it was the general impression that he would in the end go free.
This leaves the mysterious occurrence still unsolved. A reward of $200 is offered for the apprehension of the miscreant, but there seems to be no further clew. The mystery will in all probability never be cleared up until Mrs. Lautsch tells the story of how she received her injury. Her condition has greatly improved of late, still she seems utterly unable to talk sufficiently to make herself understood. Dr. Lauer stated this morning that he did not think she would ever be able to tell the story.
It will be remembered that on February 20th, last, Mrs. Lautsch was found almost murdered, in her own house in Stilling’s addition. There was a ghastly wound in her forehead from which blood oozed, and through which the brain protruded. At first it was reported she had committed suicide. Soon, however, there were circumstances which caused the finger of suspicion to point toward Robert Hertel, Sr., a painter by trade, who lived next door to the Lautsch home. He was arrested and in his fright said some things that militated against him. He was lodged in jail on the charge of assault with intent to murder Mrs. Lautsch.
A little later Hertel was released on bond; then one of his bondsmen withdrew and he was again incarcerated. A few weeks later Justice Bond released him on his own recognizance, it not being feared that he would run away.
The case was many times called for a preliminary hearing, but was invariably postponed on account of the condition of Mrs. Lautsch who was unable to testify. When it was finally called this morning Justice Bond discharged the defendant.
Mr. Hertel feels very much relieved. To a STANDARD reporter this afternoon he stated that his being accused of the crime had greatly injured him in business and that he had a hard time securing work. He thinks he has been unjustly dealt with in that his case was not disposed of long ago.

The Leavenworth Times, 19 Jun 1895, Wednesday, page 4.

HERTEL SET FREE
Was no Evidence Against Him—Mrs. Lautsch Bad Off Mentally.

After many postponements the case against Robert Hertel, charged with assaulting Mrs. Mary [sic] Lautsch, was tried in Justice Bond’s court yesterday. There was not a particle of evidence to show that Hertel had assaulted her and he was dismissed. He was naturally feeling very cheerful aver his coming out innocent last evening and he was congratulated by his friends.
Mrs. Lautsch is in good health physically, but she is bad off mentally. She cannot remember anything, and her mind seems to be a perfect clank about things that happened previous to her getting hurt. It is not thought by physicians that she will ever be able to tell anything about her assault, and the chances are that the person who committed it will go unpunished. There is a standing reward of $200 for anyone who will furnish testimony for the conviction of the person who assaulted her.

The Leavenworth Weekly Times, 20 June 20, 1895, Thursday, page 5.
(Repeat of 19 Jun article)
HERTEL SET FREE
Was no Evidence Against Him—Mrs. Lautsch Bad Off Mentally.

After many postponements the case against Robert Hertel, charged with assaulting Mrs. Mary [sic] Lautsch, was tried in Justice Bond’s court Tuesday. There was not a particle of evidence to show that Hertel had assaulted her and he was dismissed. He was naturally feeling very cheerful aver his coming out innocent Tuesday evening and he was congratulated by his friends.
Mrs. Lautsch is in good health physically, but she is bad off mentally. She cannot remember anything, and her mind seems to be a perfect clank about things that happened previous to her getting hurt. It is not thought by physicians that she will ever be able to tell anything about her assault, and the chances are that the person who committed it will go unpunished. There is a standing reward of $200 for anyone who will furnish testimony for the conviction of the person who assaulted her.

The Leavenworth Standard, 30 Sep 1895, Monday, page 4.

Mrs. Augusta [sic] Lautsch, who nearly lost her life last February at her home in Stillings addition, presumably at the hands of an unknown assailant, has gradually been getting worse lately. She has never been able to speak since and when asked who inflicted the injuries from which she suffers it is said she points with her hand to the house of a neighbor. Mrs. Lautsch’s entire right side is paralyzed and she has had the most unremitting attention for seven months, requiring as much care as an infant. The hot weather proved very trying in her case but there has been no improvement since the cool weather began.

The Leavenworth Standard, 7 Oct 1895, Monday, page 1.

SUFFERING ENDED.
Mrs. Julla [sic] Lautsch Succumbs to the Wound Inflicted in February.
TAE [sic] MYSTERY OF IT NOT CLEARED UP
Whether it Was Attempted Suicide or Murderous Assault May Remain Unsolved—Mrs. Lautsch Never Recovered Her Speech—A Post Mortem.

Mrs. Julia Lautsch, wife of August Lautsch of the Great Western foundry, died about 5 o’clock this morning at the family residence on Ironmoulders avenue, just west of Shoemaker avenue.
The death of Mrs. Lautsch was not unexpected and was the logical result of a terrible wound in the forehead sustained in a mysterious manner over seven months ago. She lived longer and suffered more than most of those familiar with the case thought possible for human to endure. Mrs. Lautsch was near death several times the first few weeks succeeding the day the fatal wound was so mysteriously inflicted, but later she rallied somewhat, and regained a good deal of her former strength, but never recovered the power of speech sufficiently to clear up the mystery of the case. The extremely hot weather of last month seemed to cause her greater suffering than anything else. Her condition kept growing worse steadily and she became so weak and emaciated that it was known the end could not be far off.

THE STORY REMAINS UNTOLD.
She passed away peacefully, and Frank Knopf, her brother, says without telling the story of how she received the fatal wound.
The funeral arrangements have not been made and there will probably be no announcement of them before tomorrow. Drs. Lauer and Lane will hold a post mortem and there is hope that this examination may throw some light on the mystery. It will establish the fact as to whether Mrs. Lautsch was struck or shot, and this is an important point that has remained in doubt.

FOUND IN AN ALMOST DYING CONDITION
About noon on the 20th day of last February Mrs. Lautsch was found lying unconscious on the floor at her own home. There was a frightful wound in her forehead and a revolver was lying not far away. At first it was thought to be a case of attempted suicide; then the theory of attempted murder was strongly put forward. In this latter connection Robert Hertel Sr., whose residence is immediately west of the Lautsches, was arrested on suspicion. It was said that when asked who inflicted the wound in her head Mrs. Lautsch would point to the house of this neighbor. He was placed under bonds and his case continued from time to time. Mrs. Lautsch not being able to testify, Mr. Hertel was finally discharged by an act of the prosecuting attorney. Since that time nothing of a startling nature developed in connection with the mystery. Now it may never be known whether it was attempted suicide or the work of a dastard.
Mrs. Lautsh was 30 years old and beside the husband, leaves one child, a little girl about 9 years old. She has a brother and sister. Frank and Julia Knopf. [sic] Her mother Mrs. Julia Berger, lives near the old stone brewery in Southwest Leavenworth.

The Leavenworth Times, 8 Oct 1895, Tuesday, page 4.

DEATH AT LAST
Mrs. Lautsch, Who Was Assaulted Last February, Passes Away.

Early yesterday morning Mrs. Julia Lautsch, wife of August Lautsch, died at her home on Shoemaker avenue in the west part of the city. Her death was expected and she was surrounded by relatives and friends when the end came.
Mrs. Lautsch has never been well since the time she was assaulted in a brutal manner last February. She partially rallied from the effects of the blow on her head, but was never in a condition to tell who gave it to her. Her skull was fractured by the blow and her mind was ever afterwards clouded.
The relatives and friends of Mrs. Lautsch take her death very hard. She was 30 years old and has lived in Leavenworth nearly all her life. Her husband and a little girl 9 years old survive her.
There was one arrest that grew out of her assault, but as there was no evidence against the party he was dismissed. There is a standing reward of $100 for the arrest and conviction of the person who assaulted Mrs. Lautsch, which was offered by the governor and her relatives.
The death of Mrs. Lautsch is a verification of the opinion of the physician who first diagnosed the case, which has been such an enigma to the local medical profession.

The Leavenworth Standard, 8 Oct 1895, Tuesday, page 1.

THE BULLET FOUND.
Some of the Mystery Surrounding Mrs. Lautsch’s Death Cleared Up.
INTERESTING CASE FOR PATHOLOGISTS
All Doubt Removed by the Post Mortem as to Whether Mrs. Lautsch Was Shot or Simply Struck—The Bullet Located –Its Road Through the Brain.

Mrs. Julia Lautsch, whose death after long suffering was announced in the STANDARD yesterday, died of a gunshot wound. This has been established beyond a doubt. There was a decided difference of opinion, even among the medical fraternity, as to whether the wound in her forehead was the result of a blow delivered with some blunt instrument or was pathway of a leaden bullet fired into the brain.
A post mortem was held yesterday afternoon which to some extent clears up the mystery surrounding the peculiar case.
A bullet, badly battered and apparently fired from a revolver of large caliber, was found encysted in the brain on the left side and about two-thirds of the way back. Where the bullet was found and resting on the brain was a formation in shape resembling an egg, though larger. It is thought it contained only serum. This sack or bag, found where it was, is something unusual if not extremely rare, and furnishes an exceedingly interesting case for pathologists.
The bullet entered the brain at the forehead, a little to the left of the center of the forehead and slightly above the temple. Its pathway through the brain on the left side was clearly revealed by the post mortem examination. This had all healed up nicely and naturally and it appears the brain was in healthy condition save in the immediate region of where the bullet entered; at this spot softening of the brain had set in. Pressure and brain exhaustion were probably the immediate cause of death.
The examination revealed the further fact that pieces of the skull still remained in the brain, and one piece, it seems, had grown back to the skull and again become a permanent part of it. The examination showed also that the muzzle of the weapon must have been held very close to the forehead, as a portion of the brain was powder-blackened and healed up retaining this discoloration. The concussion of the explosion probably caused the shattering of the skull and made the wound look jagged. This is what led to the belief that it was a blow rather than a shot.
Mrs. Lautsch’s funeral will occur tomorrow. The hour will probably be at 2 p. m. The burial will be made at Mt. Calvary.

The Leavenworth Times, 9 Oct 1895, Wednesday, page 4.

Mrs Lautsch’s Funeral Today.

The funeral of Mrs. August Lautsch will take place this afternoon at 2 o’clock. The remains will be interred at Mt. Calvary cemetery. The machine shop of the Great Western Foundry, where Lausch works, will be shut down to give the men a chance to attend the funeral.
At a post mortem examination held Monday night a bullet was found embedded in Mrs. Lautsch’s brain, showing conclusively that she was shot.

The Leavenworth Weekly Times, 10 Oct 1895, Thursday, page 5
(Repeat of 9 Oct article)
Mrs Lautsch’s Fureral Today.

The funeral of Mrs. August Lautsch took place Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The remains will be interred at Mt. Calvary cemetery. The machine shop of the Great Western Foundry, where Lausch works, will be shut down to give the men a chance to attend the funeral.
At a post mortem examination held Monday night a bullet was found embedded in Mrs. Lautsch’s brain, showing conclusively that she was shot.

The Leavenworth Standard, 10 Oct 1895, Thursday, page 4.

The funeral of Mrs. Julia Lautsch yesterday afternoon was well attended. The services were held at the Sacred Heart church. The remains were laid to rest in Mt. Calvary.

The Leavenworth Standard, 11 Oct 1895, Friday, page 4.

Card of Thanks.

We desire to express publicly our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the man friends and also the Society of Royal Sisters for the many acts of sympathy and kindness extended in out late bereavement.
AUGUST LAUTSCH AND FAMILY OF FRANK KNOPF.

The Leavenworth Standard, 7 Dec 1895, Saturday, page 4.

August Lautsch commenced suit in the district court this morning against Emma Lautsch, a minor, aged 10 years. The court is asked to appoint a guardian ad litem for the defendant and to adjudge each party to the suit to be the owner in fee simple of an undivided one-half of lots 8, 9, 10 and 11, block 10, Stillings’ first subdivision. Mr. Lautsch’s wife died last October from a wound inflicted in her forehead under mysterious circumstances.

The Leavenworth Times, 8 Dec 1895, Sunday, page 4.

Suit for Division of Property.

Yesterday August Lautsch began a suit for partition of property against Emma Lautsch. He says the defendant is a minor and that each own half of lots 8, 9, 10 and 11, in block 10, Stilling’s addition in the cit of Leavenworth. He asks for a division of the property.

The Leavenworth Standard, 13 Dec 1895, Friday, page 4.

…The partition suit of Lautsch against Lautsch was dismissed without prejudice.

Sources

• "The Leavenworth Standard, The Leavenworth Times and the Leavenworth Weekly Times," Articles accessed at "The Kansas Historical Society," kshs.org, via newspapers.com, online database with images accessed Oct 2022, https://kansashistoricalopencontent.newspapers.com/