Tragedy Struck On This Day In Chesterfield History

On this day in 1903, in a part of Chesterfield that at the time was called "Bellefontaine" a man murdered his wife and six kids before taking his own life.

Apparently, friends and neighbors said the killer had been "deranged" for some time.

Here's a synopsis from long-time St. Louis radio personality and historian ©Joe Sonderman:

1903 August Krause, a wealthy farmer, killed his wife and six children at their home on Schoettler Road, 1½ miles south of Bellefontaine in St. Louis County. (Now part of Chesterfield) Krause then cut his own throat.

Relatives and neighbors said they often prayed that Krause would not harm his wife and children.

Locals say the family is buried in a cemetery on Olive Street Road, just east of Woods Mill Road today.

A photo of the reputed graves is included here, although the name is spelled without the final "e."