The estate of Fredrick and Ludwig went to their younger sister Lina Grote-
lueschen. She inherited the 120 acre farm plus $300.00 in cash. Lina had just suf-
fered the loss of her mother two months prior to the fire. It was hard for her to
come to America because of the death of her brothers, but she had made a promise
to her fiancé in America that she felt honor bound to keep.
Hinrich Grotelueschen, father of Fredrick, Ludwig, and Lina, came to Amer-
ica to settle the estate and received his settlement of $1,800.00. The mystery of the
terrible tragedy will be carried on with the memory of this family. Some articles in-
timated that there was foul play that caused all of the family to perish in the barn
fire. The police and F.B.I. worked on the case but were unable to prove any of the
theories. The tremendous loss of all of these lives at such early ages leaves an
empty space in the hearts and records of this Grotelueschen line.
written by Karen Grotelueschen Bauder, grand-daughter of John Adolph Grote-
lueschen
Ida Louise
Wilh
Emma Rosa
Fredrick Grotelueschen’s children who perished in the barn fire on May 4, 1888
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