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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

George Weber, the father of murdered housemaid Anna Weber, 22, spoke out at length about the family’s two-week ordeal after Anna was found stabbed to death on a slope below Summit Avenue.

“I have lost my daughter, my business has been ruined, I am in debt $250 for expenses, my little girl has been put in jail and my boy is obliged to report daily at the police station,” said George Weber.

“It’s the shame of it all that hurts worst. I have tried to be a straight, good father to my children, and there isn’t a person that has known me in the seven years I have been in Spokane that won’t tell you that. But now I am ashamed to go out on the street and look my old friends in the face. I don’t dare say a word to anybody, for they turn on me and say ‘Oh, you better not say anything.’ ”

Police had earlier delivered dark hints that the relationship between Anna and her father was shocking and improper and that the murder stemmed from a family dispute.

However, the prosecutor believed the family was telling the truth about their innocence.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1845: Texas was admitted as the 28th state. … 1851: The first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in the United States was founded in Boston.