The Weekly Breeze
March 18, 1897
Miss Viola Marquardt, of Madison township, went to the Summit City, Monday to remain for some time.
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The Weekly Breeze
November 4, 1897
Miss Julia Cagnett and Miss Viola Marquardt, who have been making their home in Fort Wayne for some time past are now at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cagnett and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Marquardt, of Madison township.
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Lovers Lie Cold In Death
An Awful Tragedy Comes To Light This Morning in the Little Village of Monroeville, East of this City
Michael Miller and Viola Marquardt Meet Death In a Room Surrounded by a Seemingly Impenetrable Mystery.
Leave Letters Asking To Be Buried Together.
Motive for the Dreadful Deed Still Undiscovered - Evidence That the Young Woman Died Last - Coroner's Investigation
The village of Monroeville, twenty miles east on the Pittsburg road, was shaken to its center this morning by the discovery of the most terrible tragedy ever enacted in that part of the county. Around the case hangs a mystery that may never be explained, but the awful fact remains that two of the most popular young people in Monroe township lie cold in death, with the evidences of a violent end upon them.
Michael Miller, who in partnership with his brother, runs a saloon in the village, and Miss Viola Marquardt, daughter of Jacob Marquardt, one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, were found this morning in the room of the former, each with a bullet hole in the temple. The evidence, so far as can be learned, point to the young woman as the last to die, and while all persons will hesitate to cloud the name of the dead girl with the stigma
of crime, the authorities can not explain the circumstances as yet by any other theory than that Miller was shot by the woman, who in turn took her own life.
The dreadful discovery was made by August Miller, a brother of the young man. He was almost crazed at the dreadful sight of the room where the tragedy occured and summoned assistance. Dr. Kauffman, who was called, gave it as his opinion that the couple had been dead many hours.
Sheriff Melching was summoned, and in company with Coroner Kappel, went to Monroeville. No pains will be spared to discover every detail of the dreadful occurence, as the families of the unfortunate young persons are among the best people at the village. The cause for the dead cannot be divined. Miller has been in Fort Wayne for the past two weeks and no one has yet been found who knows the time of his return to Monroeville. There are many theories advanced, but three of which are tenable. It is either a double murder, a double suicide or a murder and a suicide with the young woman the last to die.
Michael Miller was a well made, good looking young man something over 25 years of age. For many years he has been enagaged in the saloon business with his brother August. He had learned the duties of a telegraph operator, and at one time was in charge of the Adams station. In spite of the fact that the boys kept a saloon, the Miller family has always been well thought of in the village, and both of the boys are popular. The saloon is situated three doors north of the bank. August Miller several years ago married a daughter of Jacob Marquardt, a wealthy farmer living east of Monroeville. With his wife and family he keeps house in another part of the village from the saloon. Michael took his meals with his brother, but slept in a little room in the rear of his place of business.
Miss Viola Marquardt is a sister of Mrs. August Miller, and at the time of the tragedy was supposed to be visiting at the home of her sister. For two years Michael Miller has been attentive to Miss Viola, and it was popularly supposed that they were bound to be married.
Lay Cold In Death
To the Miller family there was evidently no intimation that anything had gone wrong. About 7 o'clock this morning August Miller went to the saloon to open up for business. He saw indications that things were not as he left them and opened the door to his brother's room to see if he was there. The sight that met his eyes nearly destroyed his reason. On the bed at the far side of the room lay his brother cold in death, his hands at his sides and a bullet hole over the right ear. Blood stained the clothes and had dried in unsightly pools on the coverlet. In the middle of the floor in a huddled heap lay his sister-in-law, her head in a pool of blood which had come from a bullet wound in the right temple. She was also dead. By her side lay a 32 calibre revolver with two empty chambers.
Miller Calls For Help
Miller took in the situation at a glance and rushed wildly from the saloon to summon assistance. Dr. Kauffman was hurriedly summoned and examined the bodies. Life had been extinct for many hours as rigor mortis had begun to set in. The young man lay on the bed with his feet nearly touching the floor, his sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. His features were composed and his hands by his side seemingly relaxed at the time of his death. There is no doubt that he died instantly and without a struggle.
The girl on the floor also died instantly. There was no sign of a struggle in her case, but the muscles were drawn and it is evident that she suffered some pain before dissolution. The revolver with which it is evident the deed was done, lay at her right hand. Her face was towards the floor. Both of the young people were fully dressed. In fact, Miss Marquardt had on her jacket, as if she had just enetered or was just about to leave. Her hat was found with that of her lover's just outside the door of the room.
Coroner Kappel's Investigation
Coroner Kappel returned this noon from Monroeville where he made a full investigation of the affair. The additional facts brought to light by the coroner's examination, if possible, shroud the tragedy in a deeper mystery than ever, and tend to show that the girl is not guilty of the murder of her lover as seemed almost certain when the bodies were first discovered. When the coroner arrived the bodies had not been moved and no one had been allowed to enter the room but Dr. Kauffman. The coroner found the bodies as described in the foregoing, and says that the revolver lay but a few inches from the dead girl's hand. Coroner Kappel allowed a News representative to examine the revolver, which he brought with him. Three chambers have been fired and the other three are loaded. One of the three that is empty is rusted, showing conclusively that it was fired some time ago, while the other two have undisputable marks of having been recently in use. There is no doubt that but two shots were fired and both of them were deadly.
Coroner Kappel says that Miller never moved after he was shot, as the brain was so blown to pieces by the shot that he could not have lived an instant. The young woman is not so badly disfigured.
About 2 O'Clock
Coroner Kappel made his investigation under the greatest difficulty as everyone was excited and unable to answer intelligently. He gives it as his opinion, however, that the young people died about 2 o'clock this morning. In an anteroom there is a table, and here they had evidently had something to drink. A few glasses and a bottle still containing a small amount of beer were on the table, and August does not remember leaving them there.
Letter From Viola Marquardt
While the investigation was in progress Dr. Kauffman handed to the coroner two letters that were found by August Miller on the end of the bar nearest the room where the tragedy occured. One of them Jacob Marquardt said he believed was in the handwriting of his daughter. The letter follows:
January 2
You will wonder what has induced us to do this act, but we have concluded to die together and die game. My folks are opposed to our marriage and Mike is discouraged and we will die together. Bury us side by side.
-Viola Marquardt and Michael Miller.
The Letter From Miller
The other letter was more lengthy, covering four sides of a letter sheet. It was written in a firm hand and bears no evidence of excitement on the part of the writer. The News has the letter in full, but as part of it relates wholly to private family affairs not directly connected with the case, it is uninteresting to the public. From the general tone of the letter it seems that Michael was put out with his brothers. He gives a statement of his debts and speaks of property which he owns. He wants it principally to his brother August. The letter refers to recent losses of Michael's which bear out the statement made by some of his friends that he had been gambling for the last two weeks and had been unsuccessful.
After disposing of the family affairs the letter says in closing:
One more request is all I ask, and remember to fullfill it, and that is to bury us both together. Don't listen to what other people say or think but have this last wish carried out. Although not married, when we both die together that shows that we thought enough of each other to do it. That is all. - J. M. Miller
Some Trace of Miller
Railroad men at this city and Monroeville say that they believe that Miller went to his home from this city on No. 3 Sunday evening. Miss Marquardt was seen on the streets at Monroeville several times on Saturday and was at her sister's home on Sunday. Those who knew young Miller say that of late years he has been wild, and for this reason there was some objection to his union with the girl. The opposition could not have been very strong, however, as he has been the companion of the young woman for two years.
Coroner Kappel will hold his inquest at Monroeville on Wednesday, when it is hoped the witnesses will be in a state of mind such as to permit them to tell their story in an intelligible manner and to clear up the mystery which surrounds the case. The time for the funeral has not yet been decided, but whether the last requests of both the young people will be carried out by their interment together, is very doubtful.
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Viola and Michael got their last wish and are buried side by side like they wanted.
Fort Wayne Daily News
January 13, 1898
The Monroeville Suicide.
Late this afternoon Dr. John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, returned his verdict in the Monroeville tragedy. The verdict in details is as follows:
"I, John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, after having heard the evidence and examined the body of J.M. Miller, do find that the deceased came to his death by a pistol wound in the head inflicted by the deceased with suicidal intent. Death was instantaneous."
A verdict similar in nature was rendered in the death of Viola Marquardt. This ends all discussion as to the tragical death of the two lovers at Monroeville.
March 18, 1897
Miss Viola Marquardt, of Madison township, went to the Summit City, Monday to remain for some time.
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The Weekly Breeze
November 4, 1897
Miss Julia Cagnett and Miss Viola Marquardt, who have been making their home in Fort Wayne for some time past are now at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cagnett and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Marquardt, of Madison township.
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Lovers Lie Cold In Death
An Awful Tragedy Comes To Light This Morning in the Little Village of Monroeville, East of this City
Michael Miller and Viola Marquardt Meet Death In a Room Surrounded by a Seemingly Impenetrable Mystery.
Leave Letters Asking To Be Buried Together.
Motive for the Dreadful Deed Still Undiscovered - Evidence That the Young Woman Died Last - Coroner's Investigation
The village of Monroeville, twenty miles east on the Pittsburg road, was shaken to its center this morning by the discovery of the most terrible tragedy ever enacted in that part of the county. Around the case hangs a mystery that may never be explained, but the awful fact remains that two of the most popular young people in Monroe township lie cold in death, with the evidences of a violent end upon them.
Michael Miller, who in partnership with his brother, runs a saloon in the village, and Miss Viola Marquardt, daughter of Jacob Marquardt, one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, were found this morning in the room of the former, each with a bullet hole in the temple. The evidence, so far as can be learned, point to the young woman as the last to die, and while all persons will hesitate to cloud the name of the dead girl with the stigma
of crime, the authorities can not explain the circumstances as yet by any other theory than that Miller was shot by the woman, who in turn took her own life.
The dreadful discovery was made by August Miller, a brother of the young man. He was almost crazed at the dreadful sight of the room where the tragedy occured and summoned assistance. Dr. Kauffman, who was called, gave it as his opinion that the couple had been dead many hours.
Sheriff Melching was summoned, and in company with Coroner Kappel, went to Monroeville. No pains will be spared to discover every detail of the dreadful occurence, as the families of the unfortunate young persons are among the best people at the village. The cause for the dead cannot be divined. Miller has been in Fort Wayne for the past two weeks and no one has yet been found who knows the time of his return to Monroeville. There are many theories advanced, but three of which are tenable. It is either a double murder, a double suicide or a murder and a suicide with the young woman the last to die.
Michael Miller was a well made, good looking young man something over 25 years of age. For many years he has been enagaged in the saloon business with his brother August. He had learned the duties of a telegraph operator, and at one time was in charge of the Adams station. In spite of the fact that the boys kept a saloon, the Miller family has always been well thought of in the village, and both of the boys are popular. The saloon is situated three doors north of the bank. August Miller several years ago married a daughter of Jacob Marquardt, a wealthy farmer living east of Monroeville. With his wife and family he keeps house in another part of the village from the saloon. Michael took his meals with his brother, but slept in a little room in the rear of his place of business.
Miss Viola Marquardt is a sister of Mrs. August Miller, and at the time of the tragedy was supposed to be visiting at the home of her sister. For two years Michael Miller has been attentive to Miss Viola, and it was popularly supposed that they were bound to be married.
Lay Cold In Death
To the Miller family there was evidently no intimation that anything had gone wrong. About 7 o'clock this morning August Miller went to the saloon to open up for business. He saw indications that things were not as he left them and opened the door to his brother's room to see if he was there. The sight that met his eyes nearly destroyed his reason. On the bed at the far side of the room lay his brother cold in death, his hands at his sides and a bullet hole over the right ear. Blood stained the clothes and had dried in unsightly pools on the coverlet. In the middle of the floor in a huddled heap lay his sister-in-law, her head in a pool of blood which had come from a bullet wound in the right temple. She was also dead. By her side lay a 32 calibre revolver with two empty chambers.
Miller Calls For Help
Miller took in the situation at a glance and rushed wildly from the saloon to summon assistance. Dr. Kauffman was hurriedly summoned and examined the bodies. Life had been extinct for many hours as rigor mortis had begun to set in. The young man lay on the bed with his feet nearly touching the floor, his sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. His features were composed and his hands by his side seemingly relaxed at the time of his death. There is no doubt that he died instantly and without a struggle.
The girl on the floor also died instantly. There was no sign of a struggle in her case, but the muscles were drawn and it is evident that she suffered some pain before dissolution. The revolver with which it is evident the deed was done, lay at her right hand. Her face was towards the floor. Both of the young people were fully dressed. In fact, Miss Marquardt had on her jacket, as if she had just enetered or was just about to leave. Her hat was found with that of her lover's just outside the door of the room.
Coroner Kappel's Investigation
Coroner Kappel returned this noon from Monroeville where he made a full investigation of the affair. The additional facts brought to light by the coroner's examination, if possible, shroud the tragedy in a deeper mystery than ever, and tend to show that the girl is not guilty of the murder of her lover as seemed almost certain when the bodies were first discovered. When the coroner arrived the bodies had not been moved and no one had been allowed to enter the room but Dr. Kauffman. The coroner found the bodies as described in the foregoing, and says that the revolver lay but a few inches from the dead girl's hand. Coroner Kappel allowed a News representative to examine the revolver, which he brought with him. Three chambers have been fired and the other three are loaded. One of the three that is empty is rusted, showing conclusively that it was fired some time ago, while the other two have undisputable marks of having been recently in use. There is no doubt that but two shots were fired and both of them were deadly.
Coroner Kappel says that Miller never moved after he was shot, as the brain was so blown to pieces by the shot that he could not have lived an instant. The young woman is not so badly disfigured.
About 2 O'Clock
Coroner Kappel made his investigation under the greatest difficulty as everyone was excited and unable to answer intelligently. He gives it as his opinion, however, that the young people died about 2 o'clock this morning. In an anteroom there is a table, and here they had evidently had something to drink. A few glasses and a bottle still containing a small amount of beer were on the table, and August does not remember leaving them there.
Letter From Viola Marquardt
While the investigation was in progress Dr. Kauffman handed to the coroner two letters that were found by August Miller on the end of the bar nearest the room where the tragedy occured. One of them Jacob Marquardt said he believed was in the handwriting of his daughter. The letter follows:
January 2
You will wonder what has induced us to do this act, but we have concluded to die together and die game. My folks are opposed to our marriage and Mike is discouraged and we will die together. Bury us side by side.
-Viola Marquardt and Michael Miller.
The Letter From Miller
The other letter was more lengthy, covering four sides of a letter sheet. It was written in a firm hand and bears no evidence of excitement on the part of the writer. The News has the letter in full, but as part of it relates wholly to private family affairs not directly connected with the case, it is uninteresting to the public. From the general tone of the letter it seems that Michael was put out with his brothers. He gives a statement of his debts and speaks of property which he owns. He wants it principally to his brother August. The letter refers to recent losses of Michael's which bear out the statement made by some of his friends that he had been gambling for the last two weeks and had been unsuccessful.
After disposing of the family affairs the letter says in closing:
One more request is all I ask, and remember to fullfill it, and that is to bury us both together. Don't listen to what other people say or think but have this last wish carried out. Although not married, when we both die together that shows that we thought enough of each other to do it. That is all. - J. M. Miller
Some Trace of Miller
Railroad men at this city and Monroeville say that they believe that Miller went to his home from this city on No. 3 Sunday evening. Miss Marquardt was seen on the streets at Monroeville several times on Saturday and was at her sister's home on Sunday. Those who knew young Miller say that of late years he has been wild, and for this reason there was some objection to his union with the girl. The opposition could not have been very strong, however, as he has been the companion of the young woman for two years.
Coroner Kappel will hold his inquest at Monroeville on Wednesday, when it is hoped the witnesses will be in a state of mind such as to permit them to tell their story in an intelligible manner and to clear up the mystery which surrounds the case. The time for the funeral has not yet been decided, but whether the last requests of both the young people will be carried out by their interment together, is very doubtful.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Viola and Michael got their last wish and are buried side by side like they wanted.
Fort Wayne Daily News
January 13, 1898
The Monroeville Suicide.
Late this afternoon Dr. John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, returned his verdict in the Monroeville tragedy. The verdict in details is as follows:
"I, John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, after having heard the evidence and examined the body of J.M. Miller, do find that the deceased came to his death by a pistol wound in the head inflicted by the deceased with suicidal intent. Death was instantaneous."
A verdict similar in nature was rendered in the death of Viola Marquardt. This ends all discussion as to the tragical death of the two lovers at Monroeville.
The Weekly Breeze
March 18, 1897
Miss Viola Marquardt, of Madison township, went to the Summit City, Monday to remain for some time.
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The Weekly Breeze
November 4, 1897
Miss Julia Cagnett and Miss Viola Marquardt, who have been making their home in Fort Wayne for some time past are now at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cagnett and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Marquardt, of Madison township.
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Lovers Lie Cold In Death
An Awful Tragedy Comes To Light This Morning in the Little Village of Monroeville, East of this City
Michael Miller and Viola Marquardt Meet Death In a Room Surrounded by a Seemingly Impenetrable Mystery.
Leave Letters Asking To Be Buried Together.
Motive for the Dreadful Deed Still Undiscovered - Evidence That the Young Woman Died Last - Coroner's Investigation
The village of Monroeville, twenty miles east on the Pittsburg road, was shaken to its center this morning by the discovery of the most terrible tragedy ever enacted in that part of the county. Around the case hangs a mystery that may never be explained, but the awful fact remains that two of the most popular young people in Monroe township lie cold in death, with the evidences of a violent end upon them.
Michael Miller, who in partnership with his brother, runs a saloon in the village, and Miss Viola Marquardt, daughter of Jacob Marquardt, one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, were found this morning in the room of the former, each with a bullet hole in the temple. The evidence, so far as can be learned, point to the young woman as the last to die, and while all persons will hesitate to cloud the name of the dead girl with the stigma
of crime, the authorities can not explain the circumstances as yet by any other theory than that Miller was shot by the woman, who in turn took her own life.
The dreadful discovery was made by August Miller, a brother of the young man. He was almost crazed at the dreadful sight of the room where the tragedy occured and summoned assistance. Dr. Kauffman, who was called, gave it as his opinion that the couple had been dead many hours.
Sheriff Melching was summoned, and in company with Coroner Kappel, went to Monroeville. No pains will be spared to discover every detail of the dreadful occurence, as the families of the unfortunate young persons are among the best people at the village. The cause for the dead cannot be divined. Miller has been in Fort Wayne for the past two weeks and no one has yet been found who knows the time of his return to Monroeville. There are many theories advanced, but three of which are tenable. It is either a double murder, a double suicide or a murder and a suicide with the young woman the last to die.
Michael Miller was a well made, good looking young man something over 25 years of age. For many years he has been enagaged in the saloon business with his brother August. He had learned the duties of a telegraph operator, and at one time was in charge of the Adams station. In spite of the fact that the boys kept a saloon, the Miller family has always been well thought of in the village, and both of the boys are popular. The saloon is situated three doors north of the bank. August Miller several years ago married a daughter of Jacob Marquardt, a wealthy farmer living east of Monroeville. With his wife and family he keeps house in another part of the village from the saloon. Michael took his meals with his brother, but slept in a little room in the rear of his place of business.
Miss Viola Marquardt is a sister of Mrs. August Miller, and at the time of the tragedy was supposed to be visiting at the home of her sister. For two years Michael Miller has been attentive to Miss Viola, and it was popularly supposed that they were bound to be married.
Lay Cold In Death
To the Miller family there was evidently no intimation that anything had gone wrong. About 7 o'clock this morning August Miller went to the saloon to open up for business. He saw indications that things were not as he left them and opened the door to his brother's room to see if he was there. The sight that met his eyes nearly destroyed his reason. On the bed at the far side of the room lay his brother cold in death, his hands at his sides and a bullet hole over the right ear. Blood stained the clothes and had dried in unsightly pools on the coverlet. In the middle of the floor in a huddled heap lay his sister-in-law, her head in a pool of blood which had come from a bullet wound in the right temple. She was also dead. By her side lay a 32 calibre revolver with two empty chambers.
Miller Calls For Help
Miller took in the situation at a glance and rushed wildly from the saloon to summon assistance. Dr. Kauffman was hurriedly summoned and examined the bodies. Life had been extinct for many hours as rigor mortis had begun to set in. The young man lay on the bed with his feet nearly touching the floor, his sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. His features were composed and his hands by his side seemingly relaxed at the time of his death. There is no doubt that he died instantly and without a struggle.
The girl on the floor also died instantly. There was no sign of a struggle in her case, but the muscles were drawn and it is evident that she suffered some pain before dissolution. The revolver with which it is evident the deed was done, lay at her right hand. Her face was towards the floor. Both of the young people were fully dressed. In fact, Miss Marquardt had on her jacket, as if she had just enetered or was just about to leave. Her hat was found with that of her lover's just outside the door of the room.
Coroner Kappel's Investigation
Coroner Kappel returned this noon from Monroeville where he made a full investigation of the affair. The additional facts brought to light by the coroner's examination, if possible, shroud the tragedy in a deeper mystery than ever, and tend to show that the girl is not guilty of the murder of her lover as seemed almost certain when the bodies were first discovered. When the coroner arrived the bodies had not been moved and no one had been allowed to enter the room but Dr. Kauffman. The coroner found the bodies as described in the foregoing, and says that the revolver lay but a few inches from the dead girl's hand. Coroner Kappel allowed a News representative to examine the revolver, which he brought with him. Three chambers have been fired and the other three are loaded. One of the three that is empty is rusted, showing conclusively that it was fired some time ago, while the other two have undisputable marks of having been recently in use. There is no doubt that but two shots were fired and both of them were deadly.
Coroner Kappel says that Miller never moved after he was shot, as the brain was so blown to pieces by the shot that he could not have lived an instant. The young woman is not so badly disfigured.
About 2 O'Clock
Coroner Kappel made his investigation under the greatest difficulty as everyone was excited and unable to answer intelligently. He gives it as his opinion, however, that the young people died about 2 o'clock this morning. In an anteroom there is a table, and here they had evidently had something to drink. A few glasses and a bottle still containing a small amount of beer were on the table, and August does not remember leaving them there.
Letter From Viola Marquardt
While the investigation was in progress Dr. Kauffman handed to the coroner two letters that were found by August Miller on the end of the bar nearest the room where the tragedy occured. One of them Jacob Marquardt said he believed was in the handwriting of his daughter. The letter follows:
January 2
You will wonder what has induced us to do this act, but we have concluded to die together and die game. My folks are opposed to our marriage and Mike is discouraged and we will die together. Bury us side by side.
-Viola Marquardt and Michael Miller.
The Letter From Miller
The other letter was more lengthy, covering four sides of a letter sheet. It was written in a firm hand and bears no evidence of excitement on the part of the writer. The News has the letter in full, but as part of it relates wholly to private family affairs not directly connected with the case, it is uninteresting to the public. From the general tone of the letter it seems that Michael was put out with his brothers. He gives a statement of his debts and speaks of property which he owns. He wants it principally to his brother August. The letter refers to recent losses of Michael's which bear out the statement made by some of his friends that he had been gambling for the last two weeks and had been unsuccessful.
After disposing of the family affairs the letter says in closing:
One more request is all I ask, and remember to fullfill it, and that is to bury us both together. Don't listen to what other people say or think but have this last wish carried out. Although not married, when we both die together that shows that we thought enough of each other to do it. That is all. - J. M. Miller
Some Trace of Miller
Railroad men at this city and Monroeville say that they believe that Miller went to his home from this city on No. 3 Sunday evening. Miss Marquardt was seen on the streets at Monroeville several times on Saturday and was at her sister's home on Sunday. Those who knew young Miller say that of late years he has been wild, and for this reason there was some objection to his union with the girl. The opposition could not have been very strong, however, as he has been the companion of the young woman for two years.
Coroner Kappel will hold his inquest at Monroeville on Wednesday, when it is hoped the witnesses will be in a state of mind such as to permit them to tell their story in an intelligible manner and to clear up the mystery which surrounds the case. The time for the funeral has not yet been decided, but whether the last requests of both the young people will be carried out by their interment together, is very doubtful.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Viola and Michael got their last wish and are buried side by side like they wanted.
Fort Wayne Daily News
January 13, 1898
The Monroeville Suicide.
Late this afternoon Dr. John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, returned his verdict in the Monroeville tragedy. The verdict in details is as follows:
"I, John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, after having heard the evidence and examined the body of J.M. Miller, do find that the deceased came to his death by a pistol wound in the head inflicted by the deceased with suicidal intent. Death was instantaneous."
A verdict similar in nature was rendered in the death of Viola Marquardt. This ends all discussion as to the tragical death of the two lovers at Monroeville.
March 18, 1897
Miss Viola Marquardt, of Madison township, went to the Summit City, Monday to remain for some time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Weekly Breeze
November 4, 1897
Miss Julia Cagnett and Miss Viola Marquardt, who have been making their home in Fort Wayne for some time past are now at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cagnett and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Marquardt, of Madison township.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lovers Lie Cold In Death
An Awful Tragedy Comes To Light This Morning in the Little Village of Monroeville, East of this City
Michael Miller and Viola Marquardt Meet Death In a Room Surrounded by a Seemingly Impenetrable Mystery.
Leave Letters Asking To Be Buried Together.
Motive for the Dreadful Deed Still Undiscovered - Evidence That the Young Woman Died Last - Coroner's Investigation
The village of Monroeville, twenty miles east on the Pittsburg road, was shaken to its center this morning by the discovery of the most terrible tragedy ever enacted in that part of the county. Around the case hangs a mystery that may never be explained, but the awful fact remains that two of the most popular young people in Monroe township lie cold in death, with the evidences of a violent end upon them.
Michael Miller, who in partnership with his brother, runs a saloon in the village, and Miss Viola Marquardt, daughter of Jacob Marquardt, one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, were found this morning in the room of the former, each with a bullet hole in the temple. The evidence, so far as can be learned, point to the young woman as the last to die, and while all persons will hesitate to cloud the name of the dead girl with the stigma
of crime, the authorities can not explain the circumstances as yet by any other theory than that Miller was shot by the woman, who in turn took her own life.
The dreadful discovery was made by August Miller, a brother of the young man. He was almost crazed at the dreadful sight of the room where the tragedy occured and summoned assistance. Dr. Kauffman, who was called, gave it as his opinion that the couple had been dead many hours.
Sheriff Melching was summoned, and in company with Coroner Kappel, went to Monroeville. No pains will be spared to discover every detail of the dreadful occurence, as the families of the unfortunate young persons are among the best people at the village. The cause for the dead cannot be divined. Miller has been in Fort Wayne for the past two weeks and no one has yet been found who knows the time of his return to Monroeville. There are many theories advanced, but three of which are tenable. It is either a double murder, a double suicide or a murder and a suicide with the young woman the last to die.
Michael Miller was a well made, good looking young man something over 25 years of age. For many years he has been enagaged in the saloon business with his brother August. He had learned the duties of a telegraph operator, and at one time was in charge of the Adams station. In spite of the fact that the boys kept a saloon, the Miller family has always been well thought of in the village, and both of the boys are popular. The saloon is situated three doors north of the bank. August Miller several years ago married a daughter of Jacob Marquardt, a wealthy farmer living east of Monroeville. With his wife and family he keeps house in another part of the village from the saloon. Michael took his meals with his brother, but slept in a little room in the rear of his place of business.
Miss Viola Marquardt is a sister of Mrs. August Miller, and at the time of the tragedy was supposed to be visiting at the home of her sister. For two years Michael Miller has been attentive to Miss Viola, and it was popularly supposed that they were bound to be married.
Lay Cold In Death
To the Miller family there was evidently no intimation that anything had gone wrong. About 7 o'clock this morning August Miller went to the saloon to open up for business. He saw indications that things were not as he left them and opened the door to his brother's room to see if he was there. The sight that met his eyes nearly destroyed his reason. On the bed at the far side of the room lay his brother cold in death, his hands at his sides and a bullet hole over the right ear. Blood stained the clothes and had dried in unsightly pools on the coverlet. In the middle of the floor in a huddled heap lay his sister-in-law, her head in a pool of blood which had come from a bullet wound in the right temple. She was also dead. By her side lay a 32 calibre revolver with two empty chambers.
Miller Calls For Help
Miller took in the situation at a glance and rushed wildly from the saloon to summon assistance. Dr. Kauffman was hurriedly summoned and examined the bodies. Life had been extinct for many hours as rigor mortis had begun to set in. The young man lay on the bed with his feet nearly touching the floor, his sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. His features were composed and his hands by his side seemingly relaxed at the time of his death. There is no doubt that he died instantly and without a struggle.
The girl on the floor also died instantly. There was no sign of a struggle in her case, but the muscles were drawn and it is evident that she suffered some pain before dissolution. The revolver with which it is evident the deed was done, lay at her right hand. Her face was towards the floor. Both of the young people were fully dressed. In fact, Miss Marquardt had on her jacket, as if she had just enetered or was just about to leave. Her hat was found with that of her lover's just outside the door of the room.
Coroner Kappel's Investigation
Coroner Kappel returned this noon from Monroeville where he made a full investigation of the affair. The additional facts brought to light by the coroner's examination, if possible, shroud the tragedy in a deeper mystery than ever, and tend to show that the girl is not guilty of the murder of her lover as seemed almost certain when the bodies were first discovered. When the coroner arrived the bodies had not been moved and no one had been allowed to enter the room but Dr. Kauffman. The coroner found the bodies as described in the foregoing, and says that the revolver lay but a few inches from the dead girl's hand. Coroner Kappel allowed a News representative to examine the revolver, which he brought with him. Three chambers have been fired and the other three are loaded. One of the three that is empty is rusted, showing conclusively that it was fired some time ago, while the other two have undisputable marks of having been recently in use. There is no doubt that but two shots were fired and both of them were deadly.
Coroner Kappel says that Miller never moved after he was shot, as the brain was so blown to pieces by the shot that he could not have lived an instant. The young woman is not so badly disfigured.
About 2 O'Clock
Coroner Kappel made his investigation under the greatest difficulty as everyone was excited and unable to answer intelligently. He gives it as his opinion, however, that the young people died about 2 o'clock this morning. In an anteroom there is a table, and here they had evidently had something to drink. A few glasses and a bottle still containing a small amount of beer were on the table, and August does not remember leaving them there.
Letter From Viola Marquardt
While the investigation was in progress Dr. Kauffman handed to the coroner two letters that were found by August Miller on the end of the bar nearest the room where the tragedy occured. One of them Jacob Marquardt said he believed was in the handwriting of his daughter. The letter follows:
January 2
You will wonder what has induced us to do this act, but we have concluded to die together and die game. My folks are opposed to our marriage and Mike is discouraged and we will die together. Bury us side by side.
-Viola Marquardt and Michael Miller.
The Letter From Miller
The other letter was more lengthy, covering four sides of a letter sheet. It was written in a firm hand and bears no evidence of excitement on the part of the writer. The News has the letter in full, but as part of it relates wholly to private family affairs not directly connected with the case, it is uninteresting to the public. From the general tone of the letter it seems that Michael was put out with his brothers. He gives a statement of his debts and speaks of property which he owns. He wants it principally to his brother August. The letter refers to recent losses of Michael's which bear out the statement made by some of his friends that he had been gambling for the last two weeks and had been unsuccessful.
After disposing of the family affairs the letter says in closing:
One more request is all I ask, and remember to fullfill it, and that is to bury us both together. Don't listen to what other people say or think but have this last wish carried out. Although not married, when we both die together that shows that we thought enough of each other to do it. That is all. - J. M. Miller
Some Trace of Miller
Railroad men at this city and Monroeville say that they believe that Miller went to his home from this city on No. 3 Sunday evening. Miss Marquardt was seen on the streets at Monroeville several times on Saturday and was at her sister's home on Sunday. Those who knew young Miller say that of late years he has been wild, and for this reason there was some objection to his union with the girl. The opposition could not have been very strong, however, as he has been the companion of the young woman for two years.
Coroner Kappel will hold his inquest at Monroeville on Wednesday, when it is hoped the witnesses will be in a state of mind such as to permit them to tell their story in an intelligible manner and to clear up the mystery which surrounds the case. The time for the funeral has not yet been decided, but whether the last requests of both the young people will be carried out by their interment together, is very doubtful.
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Viola and Michael got their last wish and are buried side by side like they wanted.
Fort Wayne Daily News
January 13, 1898
The Monroeville Suicide.
Late this afternoon Dr. John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, returned his verdict in the Monroeville tragedy. The verdict in details is as follows:
"I, John H. Kappel, coroner of Allen county, after having heard the evidence and examined the body of J.M. Miller, do find that the deceased came to his death by a pistol wound in the head inflicted by the deceased with suicidal intent. Death was instantaneous."
A verdict similar in nature was rendered in the death of Viola Marquardt. This ends all discussion as to the tragical death of the two lovers at Monroeville.
Family Members
Siblings
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Rosannah Marquardt
1869–1957
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Daniel Adam Marquardt
1871–1965
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Martha Ellen Marquardt Burns
1875–1964
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Dr Samuel Jacob Marquardt
1877–1966
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Daisy Edith Marquardt Miller
1879–1971
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Jasper Earl Marquardt
1881–1958
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Dora Elizabeth Marquardt Gable
1883–1973
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Washington Pyle Marquardt
1887–1887
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Robert Rollon Marquardt
1888–1889
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Rufus Ralph Marquardt
1888–1888
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Huldah Florence Marquardt Barkley
1890–1983
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