The true story behind the film Weight of Water is told here in actual news clippings about the ax murders on Smuttynose Island. Click below to see the original article and read a transcription of each press clipping. Check back as we add more clippings - the ideal index for students, scholars and amateur detectives. Courtesy of SeacoastNH.com, the award-winning regional web site. For more on the Smuttynose Murders, click here.

Smuttynose Murder Crime File

Terrible Tragedy at the Isles of Shoals Mar 6, 1873  Portsmouth Daily Evening Times Wagner's conduct and appearance at Saco Mar 11, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Celia Thaxter's letter recounts murder Mar 11, 1873   Wagner at Portland Mar 14, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics John and Ivan's thank you card Mar 15, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Ad offers Wagner photos for sale Apr 3, 1873  Portsmouth Daily Chronicle Wagner does not have a smutty nose Apr 5, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Wagner "breaks out" in song May 17, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics More delay for the villain May 31, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Opening of the trial Jun 11, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Maren's Eyewitness Testimony Jun, 1873  Maren's Trial Transcript Wagner Escaped Jun 28, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Wagner takes a walk Sep 6, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Wagner accuses Maren Hontvet Sep 20, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Wagner writes letter to his mother Dec 13, 1873  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Wagner is pious in jail May 9, 1874  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics Murder house ravaged by relic hunters Sep 19, 1874  Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics "A Memorable Murder" by Celia Thaxter May, 1875  May 1875 Atlantic Monthly "Dagger found In Wagner boardinghouse? May, 1875  February 4, 1904 Portsmouth Herald "Relic collectors want dagger May, 1875  February 5, 1904 Portsmouth Herald

CREDITS:
This Smuttynose Murder news clipping feature:
Created, designed and hosted by SeacoastNH.com
With thanks to The Portsmouth Public Library
& Portsmouth Athenaeum
Primary researcher: Richard Winslow
For more info see SMUTTYNOSE MURDERS

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