Deep Dive
Why did Otto Kahler hire a nurse from Germany to care for his wife, Emma, after her accident in 1914 San Antonio?
Otto Kahler hired a 27-year-old nurse from Germany named Emma Dumke, nicknamed Emmy, to provide full-time care for his wife, Emma, who had become bedridden after a serious accident. This decision also set the stage for a complicated and scandalous relationship.
Why did Otto Kahler's romantic arrangement with Emmy and Hedda continue for a few years before any issues arose?
The arrangement continued because it was mutually beneficial. Otto provided a stipend and a house to Emmy and Hedda, who took care of his bedridden wife, and in return, he had access to both women. Initially, this transactional relationship seemed to satisfy all parties involved.
Why did Emmy Dunkey Doshel leave Otto Kahler and move to St. Louis?
Emmy Dunkey Doshel, formerly Emmy Dumke, left Otto Kahler because she was getting married. She felt that she had had enough of the arrangement and moved to St. Louis with her new husband.
Why did Otto Kahler propose to Hedda after Emmy left?
Otto proposed to Hedda, the second nurse, after Emmy left because he likely felt rejected and did not want to lose the only remaining woman in his arrangement. This could be due to a combination of financial and emotional investments, as well as a fear of being alone.
Why did Hedda reject Otto Kahler's marriage proposal?
Hedda rejected Otto's proposal because she felt it was not practical or ethical to leave his sick and helpless wife, Emma. She was also happy to continue the financial arrangement without marriage.
Why did Hedda shoot Otto Kahler on November 12, 1914?
Hedda claimed that she shot Otto Kahler in self-defense after he became physically aggressive and pulled a gun on her. She said he was choking Emmy, and she feared for their lives.
Why did Hedda return to Texas from Germany to face trial for Otto Kahler's murder?
Hedda returned to Texas to clear her name and prove that she acted in self-defense. Despite the risks, she felt it was important to stand up for herself and her version of the events.
Why did the court acquit Hedda of Otto Kahler's murder in 1918?
The court acquitted Hedda because her testimony was compelling and she presented a strong case of self-defense. The courtroom spectators were moved by her story, and there was no strong forensic evidence to contradict her account.
Why did Emma Kaler, the widow, become a successful businesswoman after Otto's death?
Emma Kaler, Otto's wife, recovered from her accident and took over the brewery. Despite the difficulties of Prohibition and the Great Depression, she invested her own money and successfully kept the brewery afloat, eventually selling it to Pabst.
Why did Hedda sue Otto's family for $20,000 after being acquitted of his murder?
Hedda sued Otto's family for $20,000, claiming that he had promised her this amount. While the authenticity of this claim is uncertain, it suggests that she felt entitled to compensation for the trauma and financial loss she experienced.
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