 Dr. David Roberts, The Famous Veternarian | In the spring of 1889, Dr. David Roberts arrived in Waukesha. He had recently graduated from college and was looking for a good place to settle down. After setting up shop at 510 Grand Ave as a Veterinary Doctor, he married Mary Newman, and watched his business prosper. Eventually, he specialized in the prevention and cure of Veterinary diseases. |
| He wrote a book called "The Practical Home Veterinarian", which was nationally popular and contained some cures that became standard veterinary practice. In 1906 he was appointed the position of State Veterinarian by Governor James Davidson, and he moved to Madison during his term. When he returned, his veterinary practice saw continued growth, as "Dr. David Roberts" pet products were packaged and shipped around the world. |  | On Tuesday, June 21, 1917, Mrs. Mary Newman Roberts, Dr. Roberts’ wife, left their home on 222 Wisconsin Avenue for the last time. She crossed the street and began a trek through what had become Cutler Park. She was in transit to 416 West Park Avenue, where she would meet a teacher by the name of Grace Lusk That Tuesday was her last. The trial for the murder of Mary Newman Roberts began on May 6, 1918 and ended dramatically on Wednesday, May 29. Mrs. Roberts' murder quickly became a Nationally publicized event. The attention was partially an effect of Mrs. Roberts' husband, the famous doctor, as well as her status in the social circles of "The Saratoga of the West". As the trial progressed, the events that lead up to the murder caused even more sensation. 
Ms. Grace Lusk
| Apparently Dr. Roberts was known as a 'lady's man' around town, and an affair with a local school teacher got out of hand. Grace Lusk was divorced when she met Dr. Roberts, who asked her to help him write a book. Finally, Mrs. Roberts learned of the affair and made an appointment to talk with Mrs. Lusk. Mary Roberts crossed the park and met with Grace. The two engaged in a heated argument that concluded with Mrs. Lusk shooting and killing Mrs. Roberts. | | The twelve man jury selected finished their deliberations and concluded Lusk to be sane guilty of Second Degree Murder. Lusk seemed fine upon the pronunciation of the verdict. She rose and walked over to the prosecutor, as if she wanted to talk with him, only to scream and grab him by the throat. Deputies pulled her away and escorted her to a cell. She served five of 19 years in jail, only to be pardoned by Governor John Blaine in 1923. She died in 1938. |  Drawing Of Lusk At The Trial |  | Dr. Roberts served some time in jail for breaking the "Mann Act" in his 'taking a woman over State borders for elicit purposes.' He died at the age of 85, with his fourth wife at his bedside. | | 
