 There is a theory that Frankie wanted to move west with her parents to join other family members, but Charles Silver refused to do so.There was also speculation that her frustration with Charles's refusal was the motive for the murder.On December 22, 1831, Charles Silver (aka "Johnny Silver") was hacked to death and later dismembered in the cabin he shared with his wife, Frankie, and their 13-month-old daughter, Nancy.