He was also reported saying on the day that he went missing he wished he could be “sunstruck,” and when asked why he said it would be any easy way to die. Later it became unknown if he actually borrowed a towel and soap from anyone. Many would bring up the unusual hour that he chose to go swimming, approximately 5 a.m. Upon some more investigation, the police discovered that a man named Captain Bennet had loaned Siebke money to have his laundry done, but the ticket revealed that he had not spent the money on the laundry. In one pocket a laundry ticket was discovered. Upon their arrival the police found a complete set of clothes, minus underwear. So, on July 11th when the boys found the clothes of a man on the banks of the Ohio River just north of the wharf near the Steel Bridge, they immediately notified the police. Reports also indicated that he was in good spirits and gave no signs of suicidal thoughts which would be a theory that developed after it was discovered that he was missing. in front of the Howell Hotel.īy this time of Siebke’s life he had moved on from the saloon and bottling businesses and was listed as a bookkeeper. Siebke enjoyed sitting outside the hotels on Water Street and also was seen there around 4 a.m. Reports state that around 5 a.m., Siebke borrowed a towel and some soap which gave the impression that he was going to bathe in the Ohio River. This area is where Chris Siebke was last seen before disappearing nearly 150 years ago near where Heritage Port is located today. He also was known for being educated with many general qualities which made him a very agreeable companion. Siebke was said to be known as one of the best German citizens in the city and was a member of numerous secret and fraternal organizations. In 1876 the Wheeling City Directory listed 86 saloons open for business throughout downtown and south Wheeling. There was no shortage of saloons from which to choose. Siebke advertised that the Tidal Wave was located just south of the Opera House (where presently the Laconia building stands) and had a prime location for the saloon life of Wheeling. In December of 1876 he advertised that the Tidal Wave Saloon would always have a fresh supply of eggnog, scotch whiskey, and hot punches for enjoyment.

This explains why to many he was known as a “superior beer man.”ĭuring the Christmas season, his saloon would have been the place to be for holiday cheer. His bottling company quickly flourished, and at its height was producing 3,000 bottles a month and 20 to 30 barrels on a daily basis.

Siebke served as secretary of the Nail City Brewing company and bottled their beer exclusively. In May of 1875 Siebke also announced that he would open a bottling cellar under the saloon where he would bottle lager beer and deliver “this healthy summer drink” to any residence in the city. Siebke explained that he planned to exhibit the turtle for a short while and then serve him up as turtle soup and steaks. The turtle attracted large crowds to the saloon because many had never seen a turtle such as this before on display. In 1875 it was advertised that the Tidal Wave Saloon received a large turtle that weighed over 100 pounds. Located on Market Street, the Tidal Wave boasted to have the purest wines and liquors, imported Key West and Domestic Cigars, imported New York Oysters, and even delivered to any part of the city and abroad. Siebke’s saloon was one of the more popular saloons in town. Siebke was a prominent man in Wheeling known for bottling beer and owning the Tidal Wave Saloon. On’ July 11, 1897, three boys discovered the clothes of Chris Siebke on the banks of the Ohio River.

The advertising for the Tidal Wave Saloon actually included artwork and plenty of information about the establishment.

Tidal river brewing