The Eccentric Prussian Who Vanished Near Green Lake

Joseph Lingenau, the eccentric Prussian, who disappeared three weeks ago last Sunday from his home in Walla Walla addition, has not yet been located, and his whereabouts are as great a mystery as ever. The last seen of him was at the home of H. Peiser, near Green Lake, where he ate dinner shortly after 2 o'clock in the afternoon of July 28. About 4 in the morning he left the house to attend, as he said, a single tax meeting at Ravenna Park, to reach which it was necessary for him to pass through a long stretch of heavy timber.

P. W. Graff, timberman, who has been appointed by Judge Langley to temporary care for Lingenau's place, says that when the missing man left the house last seen he had in his possession about $250. This amount would have enabled Lingenau to travel some distance had he designed to use it, but it also furnished a sufficient inducement for foul play.

Lingenau has acted peculiarly ever since he came to Seattle. He was always cautious about showing money, and often borrowed from his friends. On one occasion he was trying to arrange for a loan of $300 from Walter Turner, a neighbor, when in some manner the conversation was directed to Lingenau's affairs, and a bystander twitted him, saying: "I'll bet you a glass of beer you haven't got $150." Lingenau went down in his pocket at once. "I take the bet," he said, and his action indicated that he had that amount on his person.

Lingenau a year or two ago caused his boy Andrew, now ten years old, to be brought before the municipal court on a charge of being incorrigible. His intention to rid himself of the boy was so manifest that the court quickly dismissed the case. On another occasion Lingenau threatened to make away with the boy. "He's too much trouble," he remarked. "I will hang him." Neighbors interfered to protect the child. Both Andrew and his brother Paul, aged three years, were sent to the orphans' home by their father shortly after the mother's death. The baby girl, two months old, who was born as the mother died, is at Mrs. Kyther's home.

Lingenau's affairs are in good shape. He owns two lots in Walla Walla addition, and considerable personal property, none of which is incumbered.