Daughter of James Elijah Wallace and Elizabeth Hagen. 1m to James Reaves Walkup on 22 Jul 1885 in Covington, Kenton Co, KY. He died from arsenic poisoning in Emporia, KS. After a sensational trial, she was acquitted in his poisoning death. She moved back to New Orleans. She traveled for a while with U. S. Senator and former Louisiana Governor, William Pitt Kellogg. Kellogg probably financed her move to Chicago, where she "entertained" wealthy men. 2m to John Berdan Ketcham on 24 Sep 1897 in Milwaukee, WI (secretly married). Twelve days after he signed a will leaving her everything, he died from acute alcoholism. In 1900, Minnie began a relationship with DeLancy Horton Louderback. She refused to marry him until after his wife died. Upon her death, he contacted her. She then shared her news that she had remarried in England, which resulted in his suicide from an "overdose of cyanamide." 3rd marriage to an English soldier. She was going by the name "Estelle Minnie Keating" when she died in San Diego, CA on 10 May 1957.
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The Times Picayune, 23 Aug 1885, Sunday, Page 1
MINNIE WALLACE, A Beautiful New Orleans Bride of a Month, Among Strangers in a Strange Land.
In Arrest for Causing the Death of Her Husband by Poison.
(Special to the Picayune)
Emporia, Kans., Aug. 22--The mysterious sudden illness and death of Hon. J. R. Walkup has been attended with most intense excitement in Emporia. Knots of agitated citizens during all of Friday night and Saturday morning discussed the event on the streets, as evidence of foul play on the part of his wife increased. A guard was mounted upon the residence and grounds. They patrolled the premises during the early morning hours of Saturday to prevent the escape of the young and beautiful woman who was suspected of the murder of the man to whom, less than a month ago, she had been married.
Visitors were generally prohibited access to the chamber of the rapidly sinking man. at 9 o'clock this morning strong hopes of his recovery were abandoned, his face grew ashen gray with the pallor of death, his breathing was heavy and he gasped for breath. The young wife was in the room. She caressed the dying man with the greatest apparent tenderness, kissing his lips and forehead passionately and imploring him to say if he knew her. His death at 10:45 this morning increased, if possible, the public excitement, and little else than this was thought of and talked of by the citizens. Newspaper extras were issued and sold in enormous numbers.
A post mortem examination of the remains was held this afternoon by Drs. Moore, Jacobs, Page, Harrison and Foncannon, and the stomach and intestines were found in a congested state with indications of corrosive poison. At 2 o'clock the coroner summoned a jury at the Walkup residence, and the taking of testimony was proceeded with.
Messrs. Ryder, M. H. Bates, and R. R. Kelly, druggists, testified that Mrs. Walkup had purchased arsenic at their respective stores. It was testified also that she had entire charge of the patient during his last sickness, administering all the medicine, etc. The Coroner at 4:30 this evening adjourned the jury and instructed the Sheriff to hold Mrs. Walkup in custody until Monday morning at 8 o'clock when the jury will meet again.
A boy named William D. Walkup, a second cousin of Mrs. Willis, who about three weeks ago arrived here from New Orleans, has been also arrested and locked up. The boy was very angry, and said that he had stolen nothing, and did not see why he should be put in jail.
Mr. Walkup came to Kansas in 1867 and settled down on a farm two and one half miles northwest of Emporia. He moved into this city with his family in 1880, and up to last spring followed the business of working the road taxes on the Santa Fe and other railroads in this State. About a year ago he engaged in the grocery business in this city, and at the time of his death was extensively engaged in the coal trade with D. R. Bill. He was serving his second term in the City Council, and was President of that body, and in the absence of Mayor Whitlessy was acting Mayor of the City. He had just been appointed by Gov. Martin as a delegate to the Improvement Convention at St. Paul, Minn.
Mr. Walkup was a gentleman of many noble impulses, and his sudden, unexpected and startling death creates unusual interest throughout the city. Mr. Walkup became first acquainted with Minnie Wallace while visiting the Exposition. He made two subsequent trips to New Orleans to visit her. Miss Wallace made a visit to this place and returned South. They were married at Covington, Ky., July 22.
That this young and beautiful woman should thus, Borgia like, smite and slay her husband in the honeymoon in their life seems incredible. While it is true that suspicion reats (sic) strongly on her as to having administered the poison, yet it is not conclusive that she is responsible for his death. Our citizens will exercize toward her that charity and justice which is due to a woman so suddenly placed under such trying circumstances, away from parents and relatives, and among strangers.
MINNIE WALLACE'S COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
Mrs. E. Wallace, the mother of Mrs. Walkup, resides at No. 222 Canal street. She received a telegram at 4 o'clock in the afternoon stating that Mr. Walkup was dead and asking her to come on at once. The telegram was signed, "Mrs. J. R. Walkup," and this forced upon her the first presentiment of trouble. She did not think that it was written by her daughter, who would have signed "Minnie" in telegraphing to her mother. Mrs. Wallace was unable to answer the summons and her son-in-law, Mr. E. Finley, the husband of her daughter Dora left for Kansas last night.
At the hour when first seen by the reporter Mrs. Wallace was not aware of the alleged connection of her daughter with Mr. Walkup's death, and felt deep sorrow for the bride of a month who was left a widow and so far from home.
The Wallace family has been noted for the beauty of its female members, and Miss Minnie was considered the fairest flower of the flock. Hers is an ideal, a dreamy beauty, such as men rave about. She is only 17 years old and was born and raised in New Orleans. She is a daughter of J. E. Wallace, a well known lawyer.
Miss Minnie is a tall, graceful, slender but well developed girl with perfect complexion, white, with the roses blooming on her cheeks blood red. Her hair is long and black, and large black eyes and heavy eyelashes, with a mastery of expression, complete the picture, which is a rare one. She was noted for her beauty, which early had many admirers. The girl was educated at the St. Louis Institute, at one time one of the fashionable down town schools for young ladies, situated at 275 Dauphine street, and graduated from there two years ago.
Mr. J. R. Walkup was a Virginian. He was a handsome, energetic, genial man of considerable wealth and ability. He was about 42 years of age and a widower with two daughters. The youngest of his children, Miss Libbie, is a year older than the wife he recently married. He was six foot, two inches in height, magnificently proportioned, weighing over two hundred pounds, with blue eyes, light brown hair, small mustache and a bright, cheerful face which tallied with his disposition. He was an enterprising man and invested in different schemes, taking an active part in their promotion.
He was interested in coal mining, farming and other matters. He was a very popular man in Emporia, was President of the City Council and had a handsome residence at the corner of Merchant Street and Eleventh Avenue.
Notwithstanding the disparity of the ages of Mr. Walkup and his bride, their attachment is said to have been sincere and brought about in the natural course of events. Mr. Walkup had near relatives living in Kentucky, at Louisville and Covington.
Mrs. Wallace has relatives living in the same places. Besides Mr. Walkup has two nieces living in Kansas, while Mrs. Wallace has a sister there. So the two families were well acquainted and their relations intimate. Mr. Walkup has frequently visited his family in Kentucky, and so have Mrs. Wallace and her daughters. Mr. Walkup has known Miss Minnie since she was seven years of age, and has seen her grow up from a lovely child to a beautiful woman. He and she met a number of times in Kentucky and they became quite friendly.
Last year he came with his daughter, Miss Libbie, and both became attached to Miss Minnie. He visited New Orleans three or four times during the Exposition to see the great show and carry on his courtship. It finally became understood that they were to be married and they agreed upon October as the time for the nuptials.
On July 7 last Mrs. Wallace determined upon a visit to a sick sister at Covington, Ky., and took Miss Minnie along. They found Mr. Walkup there, he being also on a visit to relatives. When the engaged couple met they decided that there was no reason for delaying the ceremony until October. So instead of being married at New Orleans they were married at Covington in July.
The wedding took place July 22, and was a brilisant (sic) affair. There were some sixty persons present. Dr. Laen, a Methodist minister, performed the ceremony. The bride never looked more charming, and, in an elegant costume of blue silk and white lace, the admiration of all beholders. The entire party crossed over the river to Cincinnati and a fine supper was served at a residence of a relative, Mrs. Moore, on Plum street. Mrs. Wallace bid them goodbye at Cincinnati and returned to New Orleans a few days later.
The bridal couple seemed very happy and left for Niagara Falls, making a short trip and then going direct to the home of the groom in Emporia, Kans.
They reached there about two weeks ago, and their arrival created a sensation. The fame of Miss Minnie's beauty had preceded her, and this, added to Mr. Walkup's popularity, insured her a glorious welcome. They were met at the depot by a large gathering, escorted to their home by the Knights of Pythias band, and held a reception in the evening. The Council called in a body and the members tendered their congratulations. They mayor gave them a reception and formally introduced Mrs. Walkup into Emporia society.
She wrote home that there had never been such excitement in Emporia since the Mayor's wedding four years ago. About the time of their arrival Miss Libbie Walkup left home on a short visit to Denver, but has since returned. Mr. Walkup acted as mayor a short while during the latter's absence.
From her letters it seemed as if she was living as happy as a bird with her mate in a cosy (sic) with no wants unprovided. Her last letter, received five days ago, said that Mr. Walkup was going on a short trip on business and that she was to go along. Mr. Walkup wrote in the same strain. Mrs. Wallace heard no more from them until yesterday, when she received the news of her son-in-law's death, and she did not believe in the truth of the intelligence.
The final news from Emporia did not arrive until midnight, and a reported relayed what had happened there to Mrs. Wallace. She said that she believed her daughter and Willie innocent. Neither had any motive nor was either capable of such an action. The mystery would be cleared up. Minnie married Mr. Walker because she loved him. She had told Mr. Walkup that her daughter was too young, and that his daughters might object; but he said that if they objected he would cut them off without a cent. Libbie appeared to be much attached to Minnie, but the married daughter was said to be opposed to the match.
Minnie wrote from Emporia that she was happy and only missed her mother and sister. Mr. Walkup seemed to share this feeling. The following are selections from a letter he wrote to Mrs. Wallace nine days before his death:
"Topeka, Kans., August 13, 1885.--I avail myself of writing you a few lines. I came here to-day on business with the railroad company. Will go back to-morrow. Minnie has written to you three times a week since we arrived at home. Willie arrived all right and is delighted with the city and country. He has written to you since he came. He is going to start school next month. I want him to go nine months steady. Minnie is perfectly satisfied. She appears to be as well satisfied as if she was at home at New Orleans, and you may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone to make her happy. We are going next week to Omaha, Nebraska, for a few days. I have not been away from home but one day since we were married. You may rest assured that Minnie is well contented and happy. Thanking me for giving me as good and affectionate wife as Minnie is, I will close. Yours truly, J. R. Walkup"
Willie Willis was eleven months older than Minnie. He was the son of John D. Willis who died in Florida several years ago, and his mother was a niece of Mrs. Wallace. Mrs. Willis died when her boy was three years old, and left him to the care of Mrs. Wallace, with whom he has lived ever since. Willie and Minnie were raised together. His mother had died of consumption, and he seemed to have a trace of the malady. He was a delicate boy, with pale face, blue eyes, light hair, of slender build. He is of a very good and playful disposition, and was as much attached to his cousin as a brother.
Mr. Walkup asked the boy to come out west as his protege, and intended to assist in carving out a successful career for him. About two years ago he was appointed a record clerk at the Civil District Court, and resigned his place to go to Emporia.
Mrs. Wallace had already received an inkling that all was not well in Emporia. She suspected that the first telegram was not written by her daughter, and telegraphed there for particulars. The answer convinced her that she was dealing with a third party. It read:
"Mrs. E. Wallace, 722 Canal street. N. O.: "He died very suddenly. I am in trouble, as you will see by morning dispatches. "Mrs. J. R. Walkup."
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The Twice-a-Week Messenger, Owensboro, Ky, 20 Nov 1897, Saturday
MRS. WALKUP WON THE JURY
DRAMATIC ENDING OF A FAMOUS MURDER CASE AT EMPORIA, KAN.
Emporia, Kan., Nov. 18.--The death in Chicago of John B. Ketcham shortly after marrying Minnie Estelle Wallace, the widow of John R. Walkup, the man for whose murder she was tried here twelve years ago, recalls the sensational ending of the case, in which case Mrs. Walkup's testimony secured an acquittal just as everything seemed to be going against her. The prosecution claimed that Mrs. Keating had purchased arsenic while en route to Emporia on her wedding trip and that she purchased quantities of the poison in Emporia. The defense did not deny that Walkup was poisoned with arsenic, but said he took an overdose while taking it as medicine.
The climax of the case was reached as Mrs. Walkup was placed on the stand. She was beautiful and well schooled, and before she finished giving testimony the lawyers, jurymen and judge wept, and the stenographer's eyes were blinded so that he could not see to write. The girl captured the hearts of all who were not directly interested, and they were ready to swear that she was innocent of the crime laid at her door. A verdict of acquittal was returned. Shortly after the trial Mrs. Walkup left Emporia, and very little has been heard of her.
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The Topeka State Journal, 15 Nov 1897, Monday
STILL AT IT.
MINNIE KENDALL WALLACE IN FAMILIAR ROLE
John B. Ketcham, Well Known Clubman of Chicago,
Dies at Her Home on Indiana Avenue
MRS. WALKUP CLAIMS
She is Ketcham's Legal Widow and the Heir
To an Estate of $500,000 Left by the Deceased.
Chicago, Nov. 15.--Mrs. Minnie Estelle Wallace at whose home on Indiana avenue John B. Ketcham died Saturday and her claim that she is the widow of the dead club man, has brought to light her romantic history. According to Mrs. Wallace the ceremony by which she became the third Mrs. Ketcham was performed in Milwaukee on September 24, by a Methodist minister. The latter's name she does not remember, but says he can be easily found and her claims to Mr. Ketcham's $500,000 estate be established.
Mrs. Wallace is the widow of James R. Walkup, former mayor of Emporia, Kan., and wealthy. When he died in 1885, under somewhat strange circumstances, his youthful bride was arrested and tried for murdering him, but she was freed. She married him when she was only 15 years old, although he was almost 60. She was a widow at 17 and to avoid unpleasant notoriety she assumed her former name of Wallace. She came to Chicago after spending considerable money traveling in Europe and purchasing the residence at 3142 Indiana, which she furnished in splendid style. Of late she has been seen several times driving with Mt. Ketcham, whose divorce litigation with the second Mrs. Ketcham, the Toledo, O., society leader, was a sensation a few months ago. Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, declares that the certificate of marriage, as well as his last will and testament, leaving all his estate to her is locked up in a vault down town.
"John desired that I should not tell his mother or his relatives of the marriage," she said.
But his brother had been here to visit him before he died.
"John was buried in my lot in Rose Hill cemetery where I expect to lie beside him, when my time comes."
Mr. Ketcham's death will be investigated by the coroner. The circumstances surrounding his illness and the manner of his death are deemed such as to warrant it. Today Chief Deputy Coroner Mandelbaum was sent to the residence of Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, on Indiana Ave. The deputy, it is alleged, failed to get any satisfaction from the servants or Mrs. Ketcham and he advised the coroner to order a post-mortem examination.
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1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Minnie Ketcham
Age: 31
Birth Date: Jan 1869
Birthplace: Louisiana
Home in 1900: Chicago Ward 3, Cook, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother: number of living children 0
Mother: How many children 0
Household Members: Name, Age
Minnie Ketcham: 31
Mary Mulcahy: 29
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U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
Name: Mrs Minnie W Ketcham
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Age: 46
Passport Issue Date: 17 Feb 1915
Passport Includes a Photo: Yes
Residence: London, England
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California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Estelle Minnie Keating
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: Virginia
Death Date: 10 May 1957
Death Place: San Diego
Unsure about the LA vs. VA birth location.
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The Times Picayune, 23 Aug 1885, Sunday, Page 1
MINNIE WALLACE, A Beautiful New Orleans Bride of a Month, Among Strangers in a Strange Land.
In Arrest for Causing the Death of Her Husband by Poison.
(Special to the Picayune)
Emporia, Kans., Aug. 22--The mysterious sudden illness and death of Hon. J. R. Walkup has been attended with most intense excitement in Emporia. Knots of agitated citizens during all of Friday night and Saturday morning discussed the event on the streets, as evidence of foul play on the part of his wife increased. A guard was mounted upon the residence and grounds. They patrolled the premises during the early morning hours of Saturday to prevent the escape of the young and beautiful woman who was suspected of the murder of the man to whom, less than a month ago, she had been married.
Visitors were generally prohibited access to the chamber of the rapidly sinking man. at 9 o'clock this morning strong hopes of his recovery were abandoned, his face grew ashen gray with the pallor of death, his breathing was heavy and he gasped for breath. The young wife was in the room. She caressed the dying man with the greatest apparent tenderness, kissing his lips and forehead passionately and imploring him to say if he knew her. His death at 10:45 this morning increased, if possible, the public excitement, and little else than this was thought of and talked of by the citizens. Newspaper extras were issued and sold in enormous numbers.
A post mortem examination of the remains was held this afternoon by Drs. Moore, Jacobs, Page, Harrison and Foncannon, and the stomach and intestines were found in a congested state with indications of corrosive poison. At 2 o'clock the coroner summoned a jury at the Walkup residence, and the taking of testimony was proceeded with.
Messrs. Ryder, M. H. Bates, and R. R. Kelly, druggists, testified that Mrs. Walkup had purchased arsenic at their respective stores. It was testified also that she had entire charge of the patient during his last sickness, administering all the medicine, etc. The Coroner at 4:30 this evening adjourned the jury and instructed the Sheriff to hold Mrs. Walkup in custody until Monday morning at 8 o'clock when the jury will meet again.
A boy named William D. Walkup, a second cousin of Mrs. Willis, who about three weeks ago arrived here from New Orleans, has been also arrested and locked up. The boy was very angry, and said that he had stolen nothing, and did not see why he should be put in jail.
Mr. Walkup came to Kansas in 1867 and settled down on a farm two and one half miles northwest of Emporia. He moved into this city with his family in 1880, and up to last spring followed the business of working the road taxes on the Santa Fe and other railroads in this State. About a year ago he engaged in the grocery business in this city, and at the time of his death was extensively engaged in the coal trade with D. R. Bill. He was serving his second term in the City Council, and was President of that body, and in the absence of Mayor Whitlessy was acting Mayor of the City. He had just been appointed by Gov. Martin as a delegate to the Improvement Convention at St. Paul, Minn.
Mr. Walkup was a gentleman of many noble impulses, and his sudden, unexpected and startling death creates unusual interest throughout the city. Mr. Walkup became first acquainted with Minnie Wallace while visiting the Exposition. He made two subsequent trips to New Orleans to visit her. Miss Wallace made a visit to this place and returned South. They were married at Covington, Ky., July 22.
That this young and beautiful woman should thus, Borgia like, smite and slay her husband in the honeymoon in their life seems incredible. While it is true that suspicion reats (sic) strongly on her as to having administered the poison, yet it is not conclusive that she is responsible for his death. Our citizens will exercize toward her that charity and justice which is due to a woman so suddenly placed under such trying circumstances, away from parents and relatives, and among strangers.
MINNIE WALLACE'S COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
Mrs. E. Wallace, the mother of Mrs. Walkup, resides at No. 222 Canal street. She received a telegram at 4 o'clock in the afternoon stating that Mr. Walkup was dead and asking her to come on at once. The telegram was signed, "Mrs. J. R. Walkup," and this forced upon her the first presentiment of trouble. She did not think that it was written by her daughter, who would have signed "Minnie" in telegraphing to her mother. Mrs. Wallace was unable to answer the summons and her son-in-law, Mr. E. Finley, the husband of her daughter Dora left for Kansas last night.
At the hour when first seen by the reporter Mrs. Wallace was not aware of the alleged connection of her daughter with Mr. Walkup's death, and felt deep sorrow for the bride of a month who was left a widow and so far from home.
The Wallace family has been noted for the beauty of its female members, and Miss Minnie was considered the fairest flower of the flock. Hers is an ideal, a dreamy beauty, such as men rave about. She is only 17 years old and was born and raised in New Orleans. She is a daughter of J. E. Wallace, a well known lawyer.
Miss Minnie is a tall, graceful, slender but well developed girl with perfect complexion, white, with the roses blooming on her cheeks blood red. Her hair is long and black, and large black eyes and heavy eyelashes, with a mastery of expression, complete the picture, which is a rare one. She was noted for her beauty, which early had many admirers. The girl was educated at the St. Louis Institute, at one time one of the fashionable down town schools for young ladies, situated at 275 Dauphine street, and graduated from there two years ago.
Mr. J. R. Walkup was a Virginian. He was a handsome, energetic, genial man of considerable wealth and ability. He was about 42 years of age and a widower with two daughters. The youngest of his children, Miss Libbie, is a year older than the wife he recently married. He was six foot, two inches in height, magnificently proportioned, weighing over two hundred pounds, with blue eyes, light brown hair, small mustache and a bright, cheerful face which tallied with his disposition. He was an enterprising man and invested in different schemes, taking an active part in their promotion.
He was interested in coal mining, farming and other matters. He was a very popular man in Emporia, was President of the City Council and had a handsome residence at the corner of Merchant Street and Eleventh Avenue.
Notwithstanding the disparity of the ages of Mr. Walkup and his bride, their attachment is said to have been sincere and brought about in the natural course of events. Mr. Walkup had near relatives living in Kentucky, at Louisville and Covington.
Mrs. Wallace has relatives living in the same places. Besides Mr. Walkup has two nieces living in Kansas, while Mrs. Wallace has a sister there. So the two families were well acquainted and their relations intimate. Mr. Walkup has frequently visited his family in Kentucky, and so have Mrs. Wallace and her daughters. Mr. Walkup has known Miss Minnie since she was seven years of age, and has seen her grow up from a lovely child to a beautiful woman. He and she met a number of times in Kentucky and they became quite friendly.
Last year he came with his daughter, Miss Libbie, and both became attached to Miss Minnie. He visited New Orleans three or four times during the Exposition to see the great show and carry on his courtship. It finally became understood that they were to be married and they agreed upon October as the time for the nuptials.
On July 7 last Mrs. Wallace determined upon a visit to a sick sister at Covington, Ky., and took Miss Minnie along. They found Mr. Walkup there, he being also on a visit to relatives. When the engaged couple met they decided that there was no reason for delaying the ceremony until October. So instead of being married at New Orleans they were married at Covington in July.
The wedding took place July 22, and was a brilisant (sic) affair. There were some sixty persons present. Dr. Laen, a Methodist minister, performed the ceremony. The bride never looked more charming, and, in an elegant costume of blue silk and white lace, the admiration of all beholders. The entire party crossed over the river to Cincinnati and a fine supper was served at a residence of a relative, Mrs. Moore, on Plum street. Mrs. Wallace bid them goodbye at Cincinnati and returned to New Orleans a few days later.
The bridal couple seemed very happy and left for Niagara Falls, making a short trip and then going direct to the home of the groom in Emporia, Kans.
They reached there about two weeks ago, and their arrival created a sensation. The fame of Miss Minnie's beauty had preceded her, and this, added to Mr. Walkup's popularity, insured her a glorious welcome. They were met at the depot by a large gathering, escorted to their home by the Knights of Pythias band, and held a reception in the evening. The Council called in a body and the members tendered their congratulations. They mayor gave them a reception and formally introduced Mrs. Walkup into Emporia society.
She wrote home that there had never been such excitement in Emporia since the Mayor's wedding four years ago. About the time of their arrival Miss Libbie Walkup left home on a short visit to Denver, but has since returned. Mr. Walkup acted as mayor a short while during the latter's absence.
From her letters it seemed as if she was living as happy as a bird with her mate in a cosy (sic) with no wants unprovided. Her last letter, received five days ago, said that Mr. Walkup was going on a short trip on business and that she was to go along. Mr. Walkup wrote in the same strain. Mrs. Wallace heard no more from them until yesterday, when she received the news of her son-in-law's death, and she did not believe in the truth of the intelligence.
The final news from Emporia did not arrive until midnight, and a reported relayed what had happened there to Mrs. Wallace. She said that she believed her daughter and Willie innocent. Neither had any motive nor was either capable of such an action. The mystery would be cleared up. Minnie married Mr. Walker because she loved him. She had told Mr. Walkup that her daughter was too young, and that his daughters might object; but he said that if they objected he would cut them off without a cent. Libbie appeared to be much attached to Minnie, but the married daughter was said to be opposed to the match.
Minnie wrote from Emporia that she was happy and only missed her mother and sister. Mr. Walkup seemed to share this feeling. The following are selections from a letter he wrote to Mrs. Wallace nine days before his death:
"Topeka, Kans., August 13, 1885.--I avail myself of writing you a few lines. I came here to-day on business with the railroad company. Will go back to-morrow. Minnie has written to you three times a week since we arrived at home. Willie arrived all right and is delighted with the city and country. He has written to you since he came. He is going to start school next month. I want him to go nine months steady. Minnie is perfectly satisfied. She appears to be as well satisfied as if she was at home at New Orleans, and you may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone to make her happy. We are going next week to Omaha, Nebraska, for a few days. I have not been away from home but one day since we were married. You may rest assured that Minnie is well contented and happy. Thanking me for giving me as good and affectionate wife as Minnie is, I will close. Yours truly, J. R. Walkup"
Willie Willis was eleven months older than Minnie. He was the son of John D. Willis who died in Florida several years ago, and his mother was a niece of Mrs. Wallace. Mrs. Willis died when her boy was three years old, and left him to the care of Mrs. Wallace, with whom he has lived ever since. Willie and Minnie were raised together. His mother had died of consumption, and he seemed to have a trace of the malady. He was a delicate boy, with pale face, blue eyes, light hair, of slender build. He is of a very good and playful disposition, and was as much attached to his cousin as a brother.
Mr. Walkup asked the boy to come out west as his protege, and intended to assist in carving out a successful career for him. About two years ago he was appointed a record clerk at the Civil District Court, and resigned his place to go to Emporia.
Mrs. Wallace had already received an inkling that all was not well in Emporia. She suspected that the first telegram was not written by her daughter, and telegraphed there for particulars. The answer convinced her that she was dealing with a third party. It read:
"Mrs. E. Wallace, 722 Canal street. N. O.: "He died very suddenly. I am in trouble, as you will see by morning dispatches. "Mrs. J. R. Walkup."
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The Twice-a-Week Messenger, Owensboro, Ky, 20 Nov 1897, Saturday
MRS. WALKUP WON THE JURY
DRAMATIC ENDING OF A FAMOUS MURDER CASE AT EMPORIA, KAN.
Emporia, Kan., Nov. 18.--The death in Chicago of John B. Ketcham shortly after marrying Minnie Estelle Wallace, the widow of John R. Walkup, the man for whose murder she was tried here twelve years ago, recalls the sensational ending of the case, in which case Mrs. Walkup's testimony secured an acquittal just as everything seemed to be going against her. The prosecution claimed that Mrs. Keating had purchased arsenic while en route to Emporia on her wedding trip and that she purchased quantities of the poison in Emporia. The defense did not deny that Walkup was poisoned with arsenic, but said he took an overdose while taking it as medicine.
The climax of the case was reached as Mrs. Walkup was placed on the stand. She was beautiful and well schooled, and before she finished giving testimony the lawyers, jurymen and judge wept, and the stenographer's eyes were blinded so that he could not see to write. The girl captured the hearts of all who were not directly interested, and they were ready to swear that she was innocent of the crime laid at her door. A verdict of acquittal was returned. Shortly after the trial Mrs. Walkup left Emporia, and very little has been heard of her.
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The Topeka State Journal, 15 Nov 1897, Monday
STILL AT IT.
MINNIE KENDALL WALLACE IN FAMILIAR ROLE
John B. Ketcham, Well Known Clubman of Chicago,
Dies at Her Home on Indiana Avenue
MRS. WALKUP CLAIMS
She is Ketcham's Legal Widow and the Heir
To an Estate of $500,000 Left by the Deceased.
Chicago, Nov. 15.--Mrs. Minnie Estelle Wallace at whose home on Indiana avenue John B. Ketcham died Saturday and her claim that she is the widow of the dead club man, has brought to light her romantic history. According to Mrs. Wallace the ceremony by which she became the third Mrs. Ketcham was performed in Milwaukee on September 24, by a Methodist minister. The latter's name she does not remember, but says he can be easily found and her claims to Mr. Ketcham's $500,000 estate be established.
Mrs. Wallace is the widow of James R. Walkup, former mayor of Emporia, Kan., and wealthy. When he died in 1885, under somewhat strange circumstances, his youthful bride was arrested and tried for murdering him, but she was freed. She married him when she was only 15 years old, although he was almost 60. She was a widow at 17 and to avoid unpleasant notoriety she assumed her former name of Wallace. She came to Chicago after spending considerable money traveling in Europe and purchasing the residence at 3142 Indiana, which she furnished in splendid style. Of late she has been seen several times driving with Mt. Ketcham, whose divorce litigation with the second Mrs. Ketcham, the Toledo, O., society leader, was a sensation a few months ago. Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, declares that the certificate of marriage, as well as his last will and testament, leaving all his estate to her is locked up in a vault down town.
"John desired that I should not tell his mother or his relatives of the marriage," she said.
But his brother had been here to visit him before he died.
"John was buried in my lot in Rose Hill cemetery where I expect to lie beside him, when my time comes."
Mr. Ketcham's death will be investigated by the coroner. The circumstances surrounding his illness and the manner of his death are deemed such as to warrant it. Today Chief Deputy Coroner Mandelbaum was sent to the residence of Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, on Indiana Ave. The deputy, it is alleged, failed to get any satisfaction from the servants or Mrs. Ketcham and he advised the coroner to order a post-mortem examination.
*************************************
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Minnie Ketcham
Age: 31
Birth Date: Jan 1869
Birthplace: Louisiana
Home in 1900: Chicago Ward 3, Cook, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother: number of living children 0
Mother: How many children 0
Household Members: Name, Age
Minnie Ketcham: 31
Mary Mulcahy: 29
*************************************
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
Name: Mrs Minnie W Ketcham
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Age: 46
Passport Issue Date: 17 Feb 1915
Passport Includes a Photo: Yes
Residence: London, England
*************************************
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Estelle Minnie Keating
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: Virginia
Death Date: 10 May 1957
Death Place: San Diego
Unsure about the LA vs. VA birth location.
Daughter of James Elijah Wallace and Elizabeth Hagen. 1m to James Reaves Walkup on 22 Jul 1885 in Covington, Kenton Co, KY. He died from arsenic poisoning in Emporia, KS. After a sensational trial, she was acquitted in his poisoning death. She moved back to New Orleans. She traveled for a while with U. S. Senator and former Louisiana Governor, William Pitt Kellogg. Kellogg probably financed her move to Chicago, where she "entertained" wealthy men. 2m to John Berdan Ketcham on 24 Sep 1897 in Milwaukee, WI (secretly married). Twelve days after he signed a will leaving her everything, he died from acute alcoholism. In 1900, Minnie began a relationship with DeLancy Horton Louderback. She refused to marry him until after his wife died. Upon her death, he contacted her. She then shared her news that she had remarried in England, which resulted in his suicide from an "overdose of cyanamide." 3rd marriage to an English soldier. She was going by the name "Estelle Minnie Keating" when she died in San Diego, CA on 10 May 1957.
*************************************
The Times Picayune, 23 Aug 1885, Sunday, Page 1
MINNIE WALLACE, A Beautiful New Orleans Bride of a Month, Among Strangers in a Strange Land.
In Arrest for Causing the Death of Her Husband by Poison.
(Special to the Picayune)
Emporia, Kans., Aug. 22--The mysterious sudden illness and death of Hon. J. R. Walkup has been attended with most intense excitement in Emporia. Knots of agitated citizens during all of Friday night and Saturday morning discussed the event on the streets, as evidence of foul play on the part of his wife increased. A guard was mounted upon the residence and grounds. They patrolled the premises during the early morning hours of Saturday to prevent the escape of the young and beautiful woman who was suspected of the murder of the man to whom, less than a month ago, she had been married.
Visitors were generally prohibited access to the chamber of the rapidly sinking man. at 9 o'clock this morning strong hopes of his recovery were abandoned, his face grew ashen gray with the pallor of death, his breathing was heavy and he gasped for breath. The young wife was in the room. She caressed the dying man with the greatest apparent tenderness, kissing his lips and forehead passionately and imploring him to say if he knew her. His death at 10:45 this morning increased, if possible, the public excitement, and little else than this was thought of and talked of by the citizens. Newspaper extras were issued and sold in enormous numbers.
A post mortem examination of the remains was held this afternoon by Drs. Moore, Jacobs, Page, Harrison and Foncannon, and the stomach and intestines were found in a congested state with indications of corrosive poison. At 2 o'clock the coroner summoned a jury at the Walkup residence, and the taking of testimony was proceeded with.
Messrs. Ryder, M. H. Bates, and R. R. Kelly, druggists, testified that Mrs. Walkup had purchased arsenic at their respective stores. It was testified also that she had entire charge of the patient during his last sickness, administering all the medicine, etc. The Coroner at 4:30 this evening adjourned the jury and instructed the Sheriff to hold Mrs. Walkup in custody until Monday morning at 8 o'clock when the jury will meet again.
A boy named William D. Walkup, a second cousin of Mrs. Willis, who about three weeks ago arrived here from New Orleans, has been also arrested and locked up. The boy was very angry, and said that he had stolen nothing, and did not see why he should be put in jail.
Mr. Walkup came to Kansas in 1867 and settled down on a farm two and one half miles northwest of Emporia. He moved into this city with his family in 1880, and up to last spring followed the business of working the road taxes on the Santa Fe and other railroads in this State. About a year ago he engaged in the grocery business in this city, and at the time of his death was extensively engaged in the coal trade with D. R. Bill. He was serving his second term in the City Council, and was President of that body, and in the absence of Mayor Whitlessy was acting Mayor of the City. He had just been appointed by Gov. Martin as a delegate to the Improvement Convention at St. Paul, Minn.
Mr. Walkup was a gentleman of many noble impulses, and his sudden, unexpected and startling death creates unusual interest throughout the city. Mr. Walkup became first acquainted with Minnie Wallace while visiting the Exposition. He made two subsequent trips to New Orleans to visit her. Miss Wallace made a visit to this place and returned South. They were married at Covington, Ky., July 22.
That this young and beautiful woman should thus, Borgia like, smite and slay her husband in the honeymoon in their life seems incredible. While it is true that suspicion reats (sic) strongly on her as to having administered the poison, yet it is not conclusive that she is responsible for his death. Our citizens will exercize toward her that charity and justice which is due to a woman so suddenly placed under such trying circumstances, away from parents and relatives, and among strangers.
MINNIE WALLACE'S COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
Mrs. E. Wallace, the mother of Mrs. Walkup, resides at No. 222 Canal street. She received a telegram at 4 o'clock in the afternoon stating that Mr. Walkup was dead and asking her to come on at once. The telegram was signed, "Mrs. J. R. Walkup," and this forced upon her the first presentiment of trouble. She did not think that it was written by her daughter, who would have signed "Minnie" in telegraphing to her mother. Mrs. Wallace was unable to answer the summons and her son-in-law, Mr. E. Finley, the husband of her daughter Dora left for Kansas last night.
At the hour when first seen by the reporter Mrs. Wallace was not aware of the alleged connection of her daughter with Mr. Walkup's death, and felt deep sorrow for the bride of a month who was left a widow and so far from home.
The Wallace family has been noted for the beauty of its female members, and Miss Minnie was considered the fairest flower of the flock. Hers is an ideal, a dreamy beauty, such as men rave about. She is only 17 years old and was born and raised in New Orleans. She is a daughter of J. E. Wallace, a well known lawyer.
Miss Minnie is a tall, graceful, slender but well developed girl with perfect complexion, white, with the roses blooming on her cheeks blood red. Her hair is long and black, and large black eyes and heavy eyelashes, with a mastery of expression, complete the picture, which is a rare one. She was noted for her beauty, which early had many admirers. The girl was educated at the St. Louis Institute, at one time one of the fashionable down town schools for young ladies, situated at 275 Dauphine street, and graduated from there two years ago.
Mr. J. R. Walkup was a Virginian. He was a handsome, energetic, genial man of considerable wealth and ability. He was about 42 years of age and a widower with two daughters. The youngest of his children, Miss Libbie, is a year older than the wife he recently married. He was six foot, two inches in height, magnificently proportioned, weighing over two hundred pounds, with blue eyes, light brown hair, small mustache and a bright, cheerful face which tallied with his disposition. He was an enterprising man and invested in different schemes, taking an active part in their promotion.
He was interested in coal mining, farming and other matters. He was a very popular man in Emporia, was President of the City Council and had a handsome residence at the corner of Merchant Street and Eleventh Avenue.
Notwithstanding the disparity of the ages of Mr. Walkup and his bride, their attachment is said to have been sincere and brought about in the natural course of events. Mr. Walkup had near relatives living in Kentucky, at Louisville and Covington.
Mrs. Wallace has relatives living in the same places. Besides Mr. Walkup has two nieces living in Kansas, while Mrs. Wallace has a sister there. So the two families were well acquainted and their relations intimate. Mr. Walkup has frequently visited his family in Kentucky, and so have Mrs. Wallace and her daughters. Mr. Walkup has known Miss Minnie since she was seven years of age, and has seen her grow up from a lovely child to a beautiful woman. He and she met a number of times in Kentucky and they became quite friendly.
Last year he came with his daughter, Miss Libbie, and both became attached to Miss Minnie. He visited New Orleans three or four times during the Exposition to see the great show and carry on his courtship. It finally became understood that they were to be married and they agreed upon October as the time for the nuptials.
On July 7 last Mrs. Wallace determined upon a visit to a sick sister at Covington, Ky., and took Miss Minnie along. They found Mr. Walkup there, he being also on a visit to relatives. When the engaged couple met they decided that there was no reason for delaying the ceremony until October. So instead of being married at New Orleans they were married at Covington in July.
The wedding took place July 22, and was a brilisant (sic) affair. There were some sixty persons present. Dr. Laen, a Methodist minister, performed the ceremony. The bride never looked more charming, and, in an elegant costume of blue silk and white lace, the admiration of all beholders. The entire party crossed over the river to Cincinnati and a fine supper was served at a residence of a relative, Mrs. Moore, on Plum street. Mrs. Wallace bid them goodbye at Cincinnati and returned to New Orleans a few days later.
The bridal couple seemed very happy and left for Niagara Falls, making a short trip and then going direct to the home of the groom in Emporia, Kans.
They reached there about two weeks ago, and their arrival created a sensation. The fame of Miss Minnie's beauty had preceded her, and this, added to Mr. Walkup's popularity, insured her a glorious welcome. They were met at the depot by a large gathering, escorted to their home by the Knights of Pythias band, and held a reception in the evening. The Council called in a body and the members tendered their congratulations. They mayor gave them a reception and formally introduced Mrs. Walkup into Emporia society.
She wrote home that there had never been such excitement in Emporia since the Mayor's wedding four years ago. About the time of their arrival Miss Libbie Walkup left home on a short visit to Denver, but has since returned. Mr. Walkup acted as mayor a short while during the latter's absence.
From her letters it seemed as if she was living as happy as a bird with her mate in a cosy (sic) with no wants unprovided. Her last letter, received five days ago, said that Mr. Walkup was going on a short trip on business and that she was to go along. Mr. Walkup wrote in the same strain. Mrs. Wallace heard no more from them until yesterday, when she received the news of her son-in-law's death, and she did not believe in the truth of the intelligence.
The final news from Emporia did not arrive until midnight, and a reported relayed what had happened there to Mrs. Wallace. She said that she believed her daughter and Willie innocent. Neither had any motive nor was either capable of such an action. The mystery would be cleared up. Minnie married Mr. Walker because she loved him. She had told Mr. Walkup that her daughter was too young, and that his daughters might object; but he said that if they objected he would cut them off without a cent. Libbie appeared to be much attached to Minnie, but the married daughter was said to be opposed to the match.
Minnie wrote from Emporia that she was happy and only missed her mother and sister. Mr. Walkup seemed to share this feeling. The following are selections from a letter he wrote to Mrs. Wallace nine days before his death:
"Topeka, Kans., August 13, 1885.--I avail myself of writing you a few lines. I came here to-day on business with the railroad company. Will go back to-morrow. Minnie has written to you three times a week since we arrived at home. Willie arrived all right and is delighted with the city and country. He has written to you since he came. He is going to start school next month. I want him to go nine months steady. Minnie is perfectly satisfied. She appears to be as well satisfied as if she was at home at New Orleans, and you may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone to make her happy. We are going next week to Omaha, Nebraska, for a few days. I have not been away from home but one day since we were married. You may rest assured that Minnie is well contented and happy. Thanking me for giving me as good and affectionate wife as Minnie is, I will close. Yours truly, J. R. Walkup"
Willie Willis was eleven months older than Minnie. He was the son of John D. Willis who died in Florida several years ago, and his mother was a niece of Mrs. Wallace. Mrs. Willis died when her boy was three years old, and left him to the care of Mrs. Wallace, with whom he has lived ever since. Willie and Minnie were raised together. His mother had died of consumption, and he seemed to have a trace of the malady. He was a delicate boy, with pale face, blue eyes, light hair, of slender build. He is of a very good and playful disposition, and was as much attached to his cousin as a brother.
Mr. Walkup asked the boy to come out west as his protege, and intended to assist in carving out a successful career for him. About two years ago he was appointed a record clerk at the Civil District Court, and resigned his place to go to Emporia.
Mrs. Wallace had already received an inkling that all was not well in Emporia. She suspected that the first telegram was not written by her daughter, and telegraphed there for particulars. The answer convinced her that she was dealing with a third party. It read:
"Mrs. E. Wallace, 722 Canal street. N. O.: "He died very suddenly. I am in trouble, as you will see by morning dispatches. "Mrs. J. R. Walkup."
*************************************
The Twice-a-Week Messenger, Owensboro, Ky, 20 Nov 1897, Saturday
MRS. WALKUP WON THE JURY
DRAMATIC ENDING OF A FAMOUS MURDER CASE AT EMPORIA, KAN.
Emporia, Kan., Nov. 18.--The death in Chicago of John B. Ketcham shortly after marrying Minnie Estelle Wallace, the widow of John R. Walkup, the man for whose murder she was tried here twelve years ago, recalls the sensational ending of the case, in which case Mrs. Walkup's testimony secured an acquittal just as everything seemed to be going against her. The prosecution claimed that Mrs. Keating had purchased arsenic while en route to Emporia on her wedding trip and that she purchased quantities of the poison in Emporia. The defense did not deny that Walkup was poisoned with arsenic, but said he took an overdose while taking it as medicine.
The climax of the case was reached as Mrs. Walkup was placed on the stand. She was beautiful and well schooled, and before she finished giving testimony the lawyers, jurymen and judge wept, and the stenographer's eyes were blinded so that he could not see to write. The girl captured the hearts of all who were not directly interested, and they were ready to swear that she was innocent of the crime laid at her door. A verdict of acquittal was returned. Shortly after the trial Mrs. Walkup left Emporia, and very little has been heard of her.
*************************************
The Topeka State Journal, 15 Nov 1897, Monday
STILL AT IT.
MINNIE KENDALL WALLACE IN FAMILIAR ROLE
John B. Ketcham, Well Known Clubman of Chicago,
Dies at Her Home on Indiana Avenue
MRS. WALKUP CLAIMS
She is Ketcham's Legal Widow and the Heir
To an Estate of $500,000 Left by the Deceased.
Chicago, Nov. 15.--Mrs. Minnie Estelle Wallace at whose home on Indiana avenue John B. Ketcham died Saturday and her claim that she is the widow of the dead club man, has brought to light her romantic history. According to Mrs. Wallace the ceremony by which she became the third Mrs. Ketcham was performed in Milwaukee on September 24, by a Methodist minister. The latter's name she does not remember, but says he can be easily found and her claims to Mr. Ketcham's $500,000 estate be established.
Mrs. Wallace is the widow of James R. Walkup, former mayor of Emporia, Kan., and wealthy. When he died in 1885, under somewhat strange circumstances, his youthful bride was arrested and tried for murdering him, but she was freed. She married him when she was only 15 years old, although he was almost 60. She was a widow at 17 and to avoid unpleasant notoriety she assumed her former name of Wallace. She came to Chicago after spending considerable money traveling in Europe and purchasing the residence at 3142 Indiana, which she furnished in splendid style. Of late she has been seen several times driving with Mt. Ketcham, whose divorce litigation with the second Mrs. Ketcham, the Toledo, O., society leader, was a sensation a few months ago. Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, declares that the certificate of marriage, as well as his last will and testament, leaving all his estate to her is locked up in a vault down town.
"John desired that I should not tell his mother or his relatives of the marriage," she said.
But his brother had been here to visit him before he died.
"John was buried in my lot in Rose Hill cemetery where I expect to lie beside him, when my time comes."
Mr. Ketcham's death will be investigated by the coroner. The circumstances surrounding his illness and the manner of his death are deemed such as to warrant it. Today Chief Deputy Coroner Mandelbaum was sent to the residence of Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, on Indiana Ave. The deputy, it is alleged, failed to get any satisfaction from the servants or Mrs. Ketcham and he advised the coroner to order a post-mortem examination.
*************************************
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Minnie Ketcham
Age: 31
Birth Date: Jan 1869
Birthplace: Louisiana
Home in 1900: Chicago Ward 3, Cook, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother: number of living children 0
Mother: How many children 0
Household Members: Name, Age
Minnie Ketcham: 31
Mary Mulcahy: 29
*************************************
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
Name: Mrs Minnie W Ketcham
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Age: 46
Passport Issue Date: 17 Feb 1915
Passport Includes a Photo: Yes
Residence: London, England
*************************************
California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Estelle Minnie Keating
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: Virginia
Death Date: 10 May 1957
Death Place: San Diego
Unsure about the LA vs. VA birth location.
*************************************
The Times Picayune, 23 Aug 1885, Sunday, Page 1
MINNIE WALLACE, A Beautiful New Orleans Bride of a Month, Among Strangers in a Strange Land.
In Arrest for Causing the Death of Her Husband by Poison.
(Special to the Picayune)
Emporia, Kans., Aug. 22--The mysterious sudden illness and death of Hon. J. R. Walkup has been attended with most intense excitement in Emporia. Knots of agitated citizens during all of Friday night and Saturday morning discussed the event on the streets, as evidence of foul play on the part of his wife increased. A guard was mounted upon the residence and grounds. They patrolled the premises during the early morning hours of Saturday to prevent the escape of the young and beautiful woman who was suspected of the murder of the man to whom, less than a month ago, she had been married.
Visitors were generally prohibited access to the chamber of the rapidly sinking man. at 9 o'clock this morning strong hopes of his recovery were abandoned, his face grew ashen gray with the pallor of death, his breathing was heavy and he gasped for breath. The young wife was in the room. She caressed the dying man with the greatest apparent tenderness, kissing his lips and forehead passionately and imploring him to say if he knew her. His death at 10:45 this morning increased, if possible, the public excitement, and little else than this was thought of and talked of by the citizens. Newspaper extras were issued and sold in enormous numbers.
A post mortem examination of the remains was held this afternoon by Drs. Moore, Jacobs, Page, Harrison and Foncannon, and the stomach and intestines were found in a congested state with indications of corrosive poison. At 2 o'clock the coroner summoned a jury at the Walkup residence, and the taking of testimony was proceeded with.
Messrs. Ryder, M. H. Bates, and R. R. Kelly, druggists, testified that Mrs. Walkup had purchased arsenic at their respective stores. It was testified also that she had entire charge of the patient during his last sickness, administering all the medicine, etc. The Coroner at 4:30 this evening adjourned the jury and instructed the Sheriff to hold Mrs. Walkup in custody until Monday morning at 8 o'clock when the jury will meet again.
A boy named William D. Walkup, a second cousin of Mrs. Willis, who about three weeks ago arrived here from New Orleans, has been also arrested and locked up. The boy was very angry, and said that he had stolen nothing, and did not see why he should be put in jail.
Mr. Walkup came to Kansas in 1867 and settled down on a farm two and one half miles northwest of Emporia. He moved into this city with his family in 1880, and up to last spring followed the business of working the road taxes on the Santa Fe and other railroads in this State. About a year ago he engaged in the grocery business in this city, and at the time of his death was extensively engaged in the coal trade with D. R. Bill. He was serving his second term in the City Council, and was President of that body, and in the absence of Mayor Whitlessy was acting Mayor of the City. He had just been appointed by Gov. Martin as a delegate to the Improvement Convention at St. Paul, Minn.
Mr. Walkup was a gentleman of many noble impulses, and his sudden, unexpected and startling death creates unusual interest throughout the city. Mr. Walkup became first acquainted with Minnie Wallace while visiting the Exposition. He made two subsequent trips to New Orleans to visit her. Miss Wallace made a visit to this place and returned South. They were married at Covington, Ky., July 22.
That this young and beautiful woman should thus, Borgia like, smite and slay her husband in the honeymoon in their life seems incredible. While it is true that suspicion reats (sic) strongly on her as to having administered the poison, yet it is not conclusive that she is responsible for his death. Our citizens will exercize toward her that charity and justice which is due to a woman so suddenly placed under such trying circumstances, away from parents and relatives, and among strangers.
MINNIE WALLACE'S COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
Mrs. E. Wallace, the mother of Mrs. Walkup, resides at No. 222 Canal street. She received a telegram at 4 o'clock in the afternoon stating that Mr. Walkup was dead and asking her to come on at once. The telegram was signed, "Mrs. J. R. Walkup," and this forced upon her the first presentiment of trouble. She did not think that it was written by her daughter, who would have signed "Minnie" in telegraphing to her mother. Mrs. Wallace was unable to answer the summons and her son-in-law, Mr. E. Finley, the husband of her daughter Dora left for Kansas last night.
At the hour when first seen by the reporter Mrs. Wallace was not aware of the alleged connection of her daughter with Mr. Walkup's death, and felt deep sorrow for the bride of a month who was left a widow and so far from home.
The Wallace family has been noted for the beauty of its female members, and Miss Minnie was considered the fairest flower of the flock. Hers is an ideal, a dreamy beauty, such as men rave about. She is only 17 years old and was born and raised in New Orleans. She is a daughter of J. E. Wallace, a well known lawyer.
Miss Minnie is a tall, graceful, slender but well developed girl with perfect complexion, white, with the roses blooming on her cheeks blood red. Her hair is long and black, and large black eyes and heavy eyelashes, with a mastery of expression, complete the picture, which is a rare one. She was noted for her beauty, which early had many admirers. The girl was educated at the St. Louis Institute, at one time one of the fashionable down town schools for young ladies, situated at 275 Dauphine street, and graduated from there two years ago.
Mr. J. R. Walkup was a Virginian. He was a handsome, energetic, genial man of considerable wealth and ability. He was about 42 years of age and a widower with two daughters. The youngest of his children, Miss Libbie, is a year older than the wife he recently married. He was six foot, two inches in height, magnificently proportioned, weighing over two hundred pounds, with blue eyes, light brown hair, small mustache and a bright, cheerful face which tallied with his disposition. He was an enterprising man and invested in different schemes, taking an active part in their promotion.
He was interested in coal mining, farming and other matters. He was a very popular man in Emporia, was President of the City Council and had a handsome residence at the corner of Merchant Street and Eleventh Avenue.
Notwithstanding the disparity of the ages of Mr. Walkup and his bride, their attachment is said to have been sincere and brought about in the natural course of events. Mr. Walkup had near relatives living in Kentucky, at Louisville and Covington.
Mrs. Wallace has relatives living in the same places. Besides Mr. Walkup has two nieces living in Kansas, while Mrs. Wallace has a sister there. So the two families were well acquainted and their relations intimate. Mr. Walkup has frequently visited his family in Kentucky, and so have Mrs. Wallace and her daughters. Mr. Walkup has known Miss Minnie since she was seven years of age, and has seen her grow up from a lovely child to a beautiful woman. He and she met a number of times in Kentucky and they became quite friendly.
Last year he came with his daughter, Miss Libbie, and both became attached to Miss Minnie. He visited New Orleans three or four times during the Exposition to see the great show and carry on his courtship. It finally became understood that they were to be married and they agreed upon October as the time for the nuptials.
On July 7 last Mrs. Wallace determined upon a visit to a sick sister at Covington, Ky., and took Miss Minnie along. They found Mr. Walkup there, he being also on a visit to relatives. When the engaged couple met they decided that there was no reason for delaying the ceremony until October. So instead of being married at New Orleans they were married at Covington in July.
The wedding took place July 22, and was a brilisant (sic) affair. There were some sixty persons present. Dr. Laen, a Methodist minister, performed the ceremony. The bride never looked more charming, and, in an elegant costume of blue silk and white lace, the admiration of all beholders. The entire party crossed over the river to Cincinnati and a fine supper was served at a residence of a relative, Mrs. Moore, on Plum street. Mrs. Wallace bid them goodbye at Cincinnati and returned to New Orleans a few days later.
The bridal couple seemed very happy and left for Niagara Falls, making a short trip and then going direct to the home of the groom in Emporia, Kans.
They reached there about two weeks ago, and their arrival created a sensation. The fame of Miss Minnie's beauty had preceded her, and this, added to Mr. Walkup's popularity, insured her a glorious welcome. They were met at the depot by a large gathering, escorted to their home by the Knights of Pythias band, and held a reception in the evening. The Council called in a body and the members tendered their congratulations. They mayor gave them a reception and formally introduced Mrs. Walkup into Emporia society.
She wrote home that there had never been such excitement in Emporia since the Mayor's wedding four years ago. About the time of their arrival Miss Libbie Walkup left home on a short visit to Denver, but has since returned. Mr. Walkup acted as mayor a short while during the latter's absence.
From her letters it seemed as if she was living as happy as a bird with her mate in a cosy (sic) with no wants unprovided. Her last letter, received five days ago, said that Mr. Walkup was going on a short trip on business and that she was to go along. Mr. Walkup wrote in the same strain. Mrs. Wallace heard no more from them until yesterday, when she received the news of her son-in-law's death, and she did not believe in the truth of the intelligence.
The final news from Emporia did not arrive until midnight, and a reported relayed what had happened there to Mrs. Wallace. She said that she believed her daughter and Willie innocent. Neither had any motive nor was either capable of such an action. The mystery would be cleared up. Minnie married Mr. Walker because she loved him. She had told Mr. Walkup that her daughter was too young, and that his daughters might object; but he said that if they objected he would cut them off without a cent. Libbie appeared to be much attached to Minnie, but the married daughter was said to be opposed to the match.
Minnie wrote from Emporia that she was happy and only missed her mother and sister. Mr. Walkup seemed to share this feeling. The following are selections from a letter he wrote to Mrs. Wallace nine days before his death:
"Topeka, Kans., August 13, 1885.--I avail myself of writing you a few lines. I came here to-day on business with the railroad company. Will go back to-morrow. Minnie has written to you three times a week since we arrived at home. Willie arrived all right and is delighted with the city and country. He has written to you since he came. He is going to start school next month. I want him to go nine months steady. Minnie is perfectly satisfied. She appears to be as well satisfied as if she was at home at New Orleans, and you may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone to make her happy. We are going next week to Omaha, Nebraska, for a few days. I have not been away from home but one day since we were married. You may rest assured that Minnie is well contented and happy. Thanking me for giving me as good and affectionate wife as Minnie is, I will close. Yours truly, J. R. Walkup"
Willie Willis was eleven months older than Minnie. He was the son of John D. Willis who died in Florida several years ago, and his mother was a niece of Mrs. Wallace. Mrs. Willis died when her boy was three years old, and left him to the care of Mrs. Wallace, with whom he has lived ever since. Willie and Minnie were raised together. His mother had died of consumption, and he seemed to have a trace of the malady. He was a delicate boy, with pale face, blue eyes, light hair, of slender build. He is of a very good and playful disposition, and was as much attached to his cousin as a brother.
Mr. Walkup asked the boy to come out west as his protege, and intended to assist in carving out a successful career for him. About two years ago he was appointed a record clerk at the Civil District Court, and resigned his place to go to Emporia.
Mrs. Wallace had already received an inkling that all was not well in Emporia. She suspected that the first telegram was not written by her daughter, and telegraphed there for particulars. The answer convinced her that she was dealing with a third party. It read:
"Mrs. E. Wallace, 722 Canal street. N. O.: "He died very suddenly. I am in trouble, as you will see by morning dispatches. "Mrs. J. R. Walkup."
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The Twice-a-Week Messenger, Owensboro, Ky, 20 Nov 1897, Saturday
MRS. WALKUP WON THE JURY
DRAMATIC ENDING OF A FAMOUS MURDER CASE AT EMPORIA, KAN.
Emporia, Kan., Nov. 18.--The death in Chicago of John B. Ketcham shortly after marrying Minnie Estelle Wallace, the widow of John R. Walkup, the man for whose murder she was tried here twelve years ago, recalls the sensational ending of the case, in which case Mrs. Walkup's testimony secured an acquittal just as everything seemed to be going against her. The prosecution claimed that Mrs. Keating had purchased arsenic while en route to Emporia on her wedding trip and that she purchased quantities of the poison in Emporia. The defense did not deny that Walkup was poisoned with arsenic, but said he took an overdose while taking it as medicine.
The climax of the case was reached as Mrs. Walkup was placed on the stand. She was beautiful and well schooled, and before she finished giving testimony the lawyers, jurymen and judge wept, and the stenographer's eyes were blinded so that he could not see to write. The girl captured the hearts of all who were not directly interested, and they were ready to swear that she was innocent of the crime laid at her door. A verdict of acquittal was returned. Shortly after the trial Mrs. Walkup left Emporia, and very little has been heard of her.
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The Topeka State Journal, 15 Nov 1897, Monday
STILL AT IT.
MINNIE KENDALL WALLACE IN FAMILIAR ROLE
John B. Ketcham, Well Known Clubman of Chicago,
Dies at Her Home on Indiana Avenue
MRS. WALKUP CLAIMS
She is Ketcham's Legal Widow and the Heir
To an Estate of $500,000 Left by the Deceased.
Chicago, Nov. 15.--Mrs. Minnie Estelle Wallace at whose home on Indiana avenue John B. Ketcham died Saturday and her claim that she is the widow of the dead club man, has brought to light her romantic history. According to Mrs. Wallace the ceremony by which she became the third Mrs. Ketcham was performed in Milwaukee on September 24, by a Methodist minister. The latter's name she does not remember, but says he can be easily found and her claims to Mr. Ketcham's $500,000 estate be established.
Mrs. Wallace is the widow of James R. Walkup, former mayor of Emporia, Kan., and wealthy. When he died in 1885, under somewhat strange circumstances, his youthful bride was arrested and tried for murdering him, but she was freed. She married him when she was only 15 years old, although he was almost 60. She was a widow at 17 and to avoid unpleasant notoriety she assumed her former name of Wallace. She came to Chicago after spending considerable money traveling in Europe and purchasing the residence at 3142 Indiana, which she furnished in splendid style. Of late she has been seen several times driving with Mt. Ketcham, whose divorce litigation with the second Mrs. Ketcham, the Toledo, O., society leader, was a sensation a few months ago. Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, declares that the certificate of marriage, as well as his last will and testament, leaving all his estate to her is locked up in a vault down town.
"John desired that I should not tell his mother or his relatives of the marriage," she said.
But his brother had been here to visit him before he died.
"John was buried in my lot in Rose Hill cemetery where I expect to lie beside him, when my time comes."
Mr. Ketcham's death will be investigated by the coroner. The circumstances surrounding his illness and the manner of his death are deemed such as to warrant it. Today Chief Deputy Coroner Mandelbaum was sent to the residence of Mrs. Wallace, or Ketcham, on Indiana Ave. The deputy, it is alleged, failed to get any satisfaction from the servants or Mrs. Ketcham and he advised the coroner to order a post-mortem examination.
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1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Minnie Ketcham
Age: 31
Birth Date: Jan 1869
Birthplace: Louisiana
Home in 1900: Chicago Ward 3, Cook, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: Kentucky
Mother: number of living children 0
Mother: How many children 0
Household Members: Name, Age
Minnie Ketcham: 31
Mary Mulcahy: 29
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U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
Name: Mrs Minnie W Ketcham
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Age: 46
Passport Issue Date: 17 Feb 1915
Passport Includes a Photo: Yes
Residence: London, England
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California, Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Estelle Minnie Keating
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1869
Birth Place: Virginia
Death Date: 10 May 1957
Death Place: San Diego
Unsure about the LA vs. VA birth location.
Gravesite Details
Unmarked grave.
Family Members
Parents
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