Murder Victim. A Norwegian immigrant, she lived on an island off the shore of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with her sister-in-law, Anethe Matea. On March 6. 1873, Louis Wagner came to shore in hopes of robbing the ladies, but instead hacked them to death with an axe. The force of the blows to the ladies were so terrible that the axe handle broke. On June 25, Wagner was tried and hanged in Maine on June 25, 1875. The murders inspired many books and poems. They include, "The Weight Of Water" by Anita Shreve, "Ballad Of Louis Wagner" by John Parrault, and "A Memorable Murder" by Celia Thaxter. There is also a film in the works by director Oliver Stone.
Murder Victim. A Norwegian immigrant, she lived on an island off the shore of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with her sister-in-law, Anethe Matea. On March 6. 1873, Louis Wagner came to shore in hopes of robbing the ladies, but instead hacked them to death with an axe. The force of the blows to the ladies were so terrible that the axe handle broke. On June 25, Wagner was tried and hanged in Maine on June 25, 1875. The murders inspired many books and poems. They include, "The Weight Of Water" by Anita Shreve, "Ballad Of Louis Wagner" by John Parrault, and "A Memorable Murder" by Celia Thaxter. There is also a film in the works by director Oliver Stone.
Inscription
A sudden death, a striking call
A warning voice which speaks to all
To all to be prepared to die.
Family Members
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