Washington John Tornow Wild Man Of Wynoochee Post Mortem Real Photo Postcard
Johannes "Hannes" Tornow was a notorious German poacher and robber who operated in the Uckermark region of Brandenburg during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For years, Tornow evaded capture, becoming a local folk figure whose exploits were often romanticized by the public. His long career as an outlaw ended violently when he was shot and killed by forest rangers on January 16, 1907.
The immediate aftermath of an outlaw's death, particularly one as well-known as Tornow, often led to public display and photographic documentation. Such images, widely circulated on postcards, served a dual purpose: they satisfied public fascination with notorious figures and officially confirmed the end of their criminal careers. This practice was common during the early 20th century, cementing the finality of justice and sometimes fueling the legend of the individual even in death.
The immediate aftermath of an outlaw's death, particularly one as well-known as Tornow, often led to public display and photographic documentation. Such images, widely circulated on postcards, served a dual purpose: they satisfied public fascination with notorious figures and officially confirmed the end of their criminal careers. This practice was common during the early 20th century, cementing the finality of justice and sometimes fueling the legend of the individual even in death.
