The Grave (and Murder) of Maria Rupp

Location- Sacramento Old City Cemetery

1000 Broadway, Sacramento

The Grave of Maria Rupp

Maria Rupp came to California in 1855. She was the owner of Sacramento Beer Saloon,which was located on K Street between 4th and 5th streets in what is now known as downtown Sacramento.

As a German immigrant, she was a loved shining star in the German community, which treated her like a goddess. She was beautiful, smart and had a vivacious personality. She was talented to boot.

This brought her plenty of attention from men in the region.  But, he heart belonged to only one.

Maria was engaged to a medical student, Dr Francois Noiset. 

She refused the attentions of a mentally-ill suitor, Peter Mutz/Wetz/Metz on November 18th, 1857.

Scorned, Pete came into her saloon one night and stabbed 25 year old Maria to death in front of customers, while she was playing the piano. Lunging, he placed his arms around her from behind. Without hesitation, he drove a knife deep into her side.

It's said she was so loved, no less than 3 suicides occurred because of the loss of her.

No more were more distraught than Noiset, her love who had this angel placed for his beloved "Marie".

He died at the age of 31, from tuberculosis. His grave marker is engraved "A toi Marie." (French. the meaning depends it can be. "je suis à toi dans 5 minutes" I will help you soon. OR "je suis à toi" in a more romantic way, "I am yours")

Legend is that he donated his body to science, but he had his heart buried next to his love, Maria.

The Murder of Maria and The Trial of Peter

Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 15, Number 2180, 23 March 1858

NEW-YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER. 13, 1858.

From RootsWeb

Here is Maria's "Find a Grave" entry

Dr. Noiset's "Find a Grave" entry