Grayson County TXGenWeb

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, August 14, 1910
pg. 1

Mysterious Murder
Mrs. Joe Wolf, the Victim - Throat Cut from Ear to Ear - No Arrests So Far

Daniel Webster in a speech in a celebrated murder case in Boston, declard that "Murder will out," but the apothegm, like many others does not always hold good.
Mrs. Joe Wolf was murdered, being found dead Monday afternoon on a bed at her home on East Owings street, by Mrs. J.B. Bentel, her daughter, with her throat cut from ear to ear. It was at first reported as a case of suicide, but an investigation soon set this theory aside. No weapon of any kind was discovered, but it is reported this (Wednesday) morning that the carving knife has disappeared, which is a thread.
Mrs. Wolf Monday forenoon left the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bentel, who resides in the 600 block of Main street. She remarked that she would be over soon, and that was the last seen of her alive. She was probably murdered as she entered her home, as the curtains were all down. When she arrived at home it was her habit to raise the curtains and open the doors. The screens were all hooked with the exception of the kitchen door; conclusive evidence that the murderer must have left the house by that door.
The body was first discovered by Mrs. Bentel who left home about 2:30 p.m. to visit her mother. There was no evidence whatever that a struggle had taken place or that the incentive was robbery. What seems to be the most plausible theory is that, Mrs. Wolf, when she entered her home, was confronted by a robber who seized her and cut her throat, and then carried the body to the bed. There are many theories. The officers have not up to the present time gained a clue that might throw any light on the murder. Sheriff Rich sent two deputies over from Sherman. They remained one day and then went home.
At the time the murder was committed, Mr. Wolf and a son named Pat were in another portion of the city at work. Wolf had been staying around the McCarthy Real Estate office a number of years, doing odd jobs. He has done considerable work on a small scale. He moved from the country west of the city to his present home, No. 600 E. Owings street, near the Pawpaw, several years ago. It is a lonely neighborhood. The property belongs to C.C. McCarthy. If the woman had made an outcry it would have fallen on silent ears, for there are no neighbors nearer than two blocks.
It is very probably that the mystery will never be cleared. A smart, bright and patient detective might do some good work, but it takes money to employ that kind of talent.
The murdered woman was about fifty years of age and of German descent. People who know her pay her a high compliment to her character. She is the mother of four children, all alive and residents of this section.
Oscar Poff, who is conceded to be the best officer in bringing negro criminals to justice is acting as chief of police during the absence of Chief Wisdom. The Gazetteer city reporter interviewed Mr. Poff, who said, "That portion of town is a well traveled thoroughfare for negroes entering and leaving the city, and not far from there is a negro camp on the M. O. & G. A negro was probably in the house when the woman entered. I do not think a white man committed the murder, I am confident of that." Deputy Sheriff Turnipseed entertains a somewhat similar opinion, that a negro is the murderer.
After the body had been removed to Shields & Short's undertaking establishment and cleansed of blood, a bruise place was found on the right hand, indicating that the woman might have been struck before she was killed. Undertaker Shields says any bruise made shortly before death always shows plainly afterward.
Mrs. Wolf was buried from the undertaking establishment of Shields & Short, the interment being at Oakwood Cemetery.
Mrs. Wolf was the mother of two daughters not mentioned, Mrs. Bob Hendricks of East Nelson St. and Mrs. R.D. Ritchie of No. 604 East Main street.