Shot dead over a Graduation Gown!

Shot dead over a Graduation Gown!

Emma Grothmann

Emma Grothmann born 29 Jun 1873 in Chicago to Louis Otto Grothmann and wife Rosalie Haedtke Grothmann. The Grothmann family originally came from what is now Germany in the 1860's, first settling in Ohio and then later to Chicago by 1867.

In November of 1890, at the age of 17, Emma married Joseph Becker to which four children were produced; Hazel 1891, Edna 1893, Caroline 1898, and Rosalie 1900. At some point between 1900 and 1908 the marriage fell apart.

In 1908 Emma remarries to a John Peterson of the Chicago area.  The new couple stays in Chicago and raises Emma children.  Emma lost her father just few months after her first marriage to Becker.  And then her mother dies in 1914 Kenosha Wisconsin where she was living after remarrying August Fenske.

In June 1915, not but a year after losing her mother, Emma's life comes to the end in her home at the age of 41, All because of a gown!

Chicago Examiner

Chicago, Illinois

Thu, Jun 3, 1915 – Page 9

You can find the original article at Newspaper Archive 

FindaGrave Memorial for Emma and many of the rest of the Grothmann family that first settled in Chicago.

Let me know if you have questions, corrections or additions.  Thanks for reading!