Warner, Fred died 1887 (murdered)

WARNER, FRANZEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/21/2014 at 21:00:03

Cresco Plain Dealer, 22 Sept. 1887. A re-print from a Fayette County Union newspaper article.

Murder at New Hampton.

A farmer named Fred Warner, living two miles east of New Hampton, was beaten to death on Saturday evening by two brothers named Franzen. The victim lived long enough to tell the story of the murder and disclose the names of his assailants, who were immediately placed under arrest. The causes leading up to the final tragedy are unknown, the coroner's jury not having completed their investigation as we go to press. (Fayette County Union.)

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The Chief - Pilot, Perry, Iowa, 23 Sept. 1887.

Iowa News.

A New Hampton special, Sept. 18, says: Fred Warner, a farmer, was beaten and killed yesterday afternoon. Previous to his death he stated that Joe and John Grenzen perpetrated the crime. At the coroner's inquest they were questioned but denied any knowledge of the affair; both are in jail here. The crime occurred about two miles from here.

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Oskaloosa Daily Herald, 13 Dec. 1887.

The first murder trial in the history of Chickasaw county began today, Tuesday, at New Hampton. John and Joseph Franzen charged with the killing of Fred Warner, the 17th of last September, and indicated (indicted) by the grand jury last month.

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Sumner Gazette, 12 Jan. 1888.

The long trial of the Franzen brothers at New Hampton for the murder of Fred Warner resulted in their acquittal.

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1880 Federal Census, New Hampton:

Fred Warner, Born New York 1848, age 32, parents both born Germany, farmer.
Priscilla Warner, his wife, Born Wisconsin 1851, parents both born Germany.
William Warner, Son, age 5, born Iowa.
Laura Warner, Daughter, age 3, born Iowa.

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NOTE: The only Franzen family in Iowa in 1880 and showing sons John and Joseph is:

1880 Federal Census, Fairfield township, Jackson county, Iowa.

William Franzen, Born Germany, aged 46, farmer.
Christinia Franzen, his wife, aged 38.
John Franzen, son, aged 19.
Catharin Franzen, daughter, aged 17.
Mary Franzen, daughter, aged 15.
Joseph Franzen, son, aged 12.
Theresa Franzen, daughter, aged 9.
Lewis Franzen, son, aged 7.
William Franzen, son, aged 5.
Henry Franzen, son, no age given.

NOTE: The 1885 Iowa Census shows the same info except the ages advanced, the name Lewis was given as Louis, and John was missing.

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1885 Iowa Census, Jackson township, Jackson Co., shows:

John Franzen, age 24.
Sisie Franzen, his wife, age 26.
Lena Franzen, daughter, age, 3.

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NOTE: No Grenzen families could be found on 1880 or 1885 censuses. Information on the Warner and Franzen families is placed here only as a help to those interested. Submitter does not know that the Franzen family represented here is the same as those accused of the crime.

Submitter does not live in the area and is not related to either family.

Local research in newspapers, courthouse records, etc., is needed to establish the facts of the murder, trial, and what became of the event and families involved.

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