Shawano in the news
Oconto County Reporter
20 April 1895Wife-Murderer Rosin of Shawano
County Given Time for Reflection.
__________
A MARITAL TIE ‘TWAS NOT A TIE.
__________
Divorce Case Tumbled Out of Court.
Other Circuit Court Proceedings.
__________The trial of Albert Rosin of Hartland, Shawano county, on change of venue, charged with killing his wife, in August, 1893, was begun at the opening of circuit court on Tuesday. Ex-District Attorney Phillips and District Attorney Cady prosecuted and Attorney Wallrich, all of Shawano, defended. The trial was concluded Wednesday evening, and the jury, out one hour, returned a verdict of murder in the second degree, which carried a penalty of not less than fourteen nor more than twenty-five years in state prison. A son, 19 years old, a daughter of 16 years, and two women-neighbors were witnesses for the state and only Rosin himself was sworn for the defense. A rude ball-bat was used for the killing, with which the victim’s right arm was broken, a severe gash cut in her head, and her body severely bruised. Medical testimony showed that death would result from the wound in her head. She survived two days after the assault, but had no medical attention. A priest ministered to her spiritual welfare. Rosin confessed his guild to Judge Naber, who served as interpreter at the trial, at the time of his arrest, but at the trial characterized his confession as false.
Upon announcement of the jury’s verdict, Attorney Wallrich moved for a new trial, and next morning submitted the fact that the records of the Shawano circuit court did not show that Rosin had been arraigned or entered a plea. Sentence was withheld till Mr. Cady could repair to Shawano and have the record perfected. Returning, on Friday, with the perfected record, Judge Hastings pronounced sentence of eighteen years. The condemned man is stout of frame, but ignorant. He manifested neither emotion or sensibility of his crime. His victim had been an invalid for a dozen years, which marks the crime as uncommonly brutal. The Rosins were of a neighborhood known as Pummer Dutch.