Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1897-01-04
SHOT AN OLD FARMER.
John Helnnes Fatally Wounded by
Tramp in His Own Home
Near Grafton.

Cedarburg, Wis, Dec. 2S.-[Special] j
A most cruel crime was committed near
the village of Grafton yesterday afternoon.
John Helmes, farmer So years of age,
was shot twice by tramp who gives his
name as Fred Wagenknecht and who
SAYS his home is at Plymouth. Wis.
Shortly after noon the criminal called
at the Helmes house, which is just out
side the village of Grafton. and asked
for a meal He had met the old man
and his wife last spring. when ne stopped
with them and had a meal Aesteraay
he again asked for food. and, after nav
ing eaten it, he approached Helmes, ana,
holding a revolver close to his face, hreu
twice The first ball entered the neck
and passed through, but did not strike
any of the vital organs. The second
aim entered just below the right ear anu lI
lodged in about the same place on the
opposite side of the face. The aged
woman escaped through a window, ana
by her actions and cries attracted the at
tention of some of the neighbors. Inc
would-be murderer called her back, but
when he found she had escaped he lmme-
diately made for the woods some rods
distant.
Neighbors gathered soon after and
WagenLnecht was found lying behind
log in the woods, where he had tried
to hide. He was surrounded by posse
of citizens from the nelghborhood ana
gave himself up without resistance. lie
was taken in charge by UndersherlH
There is little doubt that the motive
of the man was robbery. Helmes is
well-to-do farmer and was known to
keep some money about the house. The
assailant had evidently intended to Kill
both Helmes and his wife and then leaye
the place when night had come. lie
was doubtless frightened at his own
act and when the woman escaped he
gave up the plan.
Wagenknecht has for many years
lived at Plymouth, where he was en-
ployed in the Plymouth Furniture fac
tory. He is man Al years of age, OF
low statue and of morose, surly char
acter. Last August his wife sued for
divorce on the ground of cruelty and
Immediately after married William
Wright of Plymouth Their two children
are now at an orphan asylum. A boy
years old is at Sparta and girl
years Of age it at Sheboygan.
Some weeks ago Wagenknecht left
Plymouth, and went to Milwaukee,
stopping with his brother-in-law, Carl
Evaldt, who resides at 1911 Center
street. 1t was here that he stole the
revolver with which he committed the
dastardly deed He claims to have left
Milwaukee Monday and to have been
without food until yesterday. Late last
night Undersheriff Spehn took the
criminal to Port Washington where he
was placed in the county jail. Helmes
is still alive this morning, but cannot
live long.
Port Washington. Wis. Dec. 28.-[Spe-
cial Ferdinand Wagenknecht, the man
who was arrested at Grafton yesterday
on charge of shooting John Helmes,
farmer 80 years of age. at that place,
was brought into court this morning and
given a hearing. Owing to the fact that
the intended victim is still alive the eX-
animation was adjourned until next
bonds of $4,000 and went to Jail to await
his hearing, being unable to furnish the
bonds
When Wagenknecht appeared before
the court he appeared very indifferent TO
his surroundings and refused to talk on
the subject to the officers. lie stated
to the court, however, that he did the
shooting, but said that he could not
account for his actions, as he had no
idea of committing a robbery. lie re-
fused to make any further statement.
The court room was well filled with
people of this city and also great many
from Grafton, who came here especially
to hear the examination.
Wagenknecht was brought to the jail
here last evening as it was not consid-
cred safe to keep him over night in the
Grafton Jail. Constable Joseph SPAIN
gave the people at that place the slip
and arrived here with his prisoner with
out any trouble. although there were
threats of lynching.
John Helmes, the old man who was
shot down in such cold-blooded man
ner, is at the point of death and the
attending doctors say that he, cannot live
through the day.