Axtell Park in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Kaufmann House Mystery

March 26, 2022

1. Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, Side One

Inscription. This 1887 mansion was the home of Moses Kaufmann, a partner in the Sioux Falls Brewery, and his wife Emma. In February 1906 they hired teenager Agnes Polreis as their new servant girl. She died June 1.

At her funeral in Parkston, friends became outraged over marks on Agnes' body. Since it looked as if Agnes had been the victim of foul play, her remains were exhumed twice for autopsies. On June 12 Emma Kaufmann was arrested on suspicion of murder.

An enraged mob of 1500 gathered before the preliminary hearing on June 21. When Emma arrived, she was spit upon, and there were cries of "hang her" and "burn her." As she left, officers had difficulty "getting (her) from the maddened throng."

A jury found Emma guilty of manslaughter, but because of misconduct by prosecuting attorney George Egan, a second trial was ordered. She was then found guilty only of assault and battery and fined $100.

The Kaufmann house, altered from its original grandeur, is the only witness remaining to this early Sioux Falls mystery.

Erected 2003 by the Minnehaha County Historical Society and the City of Sioux Falls.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1906.

Location. 43° 32.999′ N,

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96° 44.124′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Axtell Park. It is at the intersection of West 7th Street and North Summit Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 N Summit Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Two Cemeteries (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 215 N Duluth Avenue (about 400 feet away); Cathedral Historic District / Paving Stone Alley (about 400 feet away); U.S. Senator R.F. Pettigrew (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Prehistoric Prayer Rock (about 600 feet away); Quartzite Paving Stones (about 600 feet away); The People's Party National Convention (approx. 0.2 miles away); Congregation Sons of Israel (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Prehistoric Prayer Rock (was about 500 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

March 26, 2022

2. Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, Side Two

Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, from the east image. Click for full size.

March 26, 2022

3. Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, from the east

Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

March 26, 2022

4. Kaufmann House Mystery Marker, from the west

Kaufmann House image. Click for full size.

March 26, 2022

5. Kaufmann House

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2022. This page has been viewed 2,306 times since then and 272 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 31, 2022.