History 21 The Podcast - 4.24 The Ponczek Murder Case
In June of 1935, Mrs Josephine Seeker went to the sheriff’s office in Minneapolis and asked them to begin a search. Where was her sister Mrs Clara Williams??
This act set off a chain of events that led deputies to a run-down farm in Anoka County and a shocking murder – Clara had been beaten, killed, and buried on the suspects farm underneath the remains of their dog in an attempt to confuse searchers. Hear the story of the Ponczek murder case.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.
Timeline of Events
1873 – Joseph Born (Grave & 1950 census)
1874 – Joseph Born (1940 census)
1884 – Joseph Born (WWI draft card)
1913-1918 [approx] - Joseph incarcerated at Stillwater prison on charges of statutory against child
1933 – Helen and Joseph marry
1935
· March – Helen says tried to poison her with Candy
· March 13, Joseph enters Minneapolis workhouse for theft
· Helen left – filed for Divorce – apply with Anoka County Relief Board.
· May 6, released Minneapolis workhouse
· May 9 – Joseph hired Mrs Williams posing as Mr Rog.
· May 9, Joseph murdered Clara Williams at his farm
· June 23 Joseph and Helen reconciled
· July 2 – Joseph arrested and confesses to murdering Clara Williams
· July 6 - Joseph indicted on 1st degree murder charge, pleads guilty and is sentenced to life in prison
· Joseph sent to State Prison in Stillwater
1940 – Joseph located at St Peter State Hospital Criminal Ward according to the 1940 census.
1953 - Joseph dies and is buried at the St. Peter State Hospital graveyard.
Anoka County Library Minute
Further Reading:
The 1930s was a time of great upheaval and heightened tensions. There were financial, agricultural, and political crises. Perhaps this is why the time period is often used in historical mysteries – the setting provides an additional layer of conflict. If this episode of History21 about a local murder from the ‘30s interested you, check out these 1930s historical mysteries.