Sandquist, Frank 1859-1904

SANDQUIST, HAGDAHL

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 7/11/2016 at 15:50:46

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - Fri, Nov 4, 1904 - The mysterious death of Frank Sandquist, more than 20 years a shoemaker in this city, last Sunday afternoon has been the sensation of the week in Storm Lake. He was found lying unconscious and with cuts in his left temple at about 11 last Saturday night in the alley back of the residence of his wife, with whom he has not been living for some time, and died Sunday afternoon shortly before 2 without being able to tell the details of what caused his death.

The Sandquist family owned two houses on adjoining lots on the east side of Erie street near the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul depot. Mrs Sandquist lives in the north house and the other is rented to Nels Swanson. Mrs Sandquist's brothers, Gus and Charles Hagdahl were making their home at Swanson's for whom Gus has been working at ditching and tiling and Charles had been engaged to work having recently returned from Cherokee, where he has been for some time past.

On Saturday night there was a party at Swanson's attended by about 30 persons. At about 11, according to evidence submitted at the inquest, Mr Swanson and Charles Hagdahl started out to Swanson's barn and Swanson who was about 20 feet in the lead, heard groans in the direction of the alley. He sent Charles back into the house for a lantern. Passing out into the alley through an opening between two buildings, they found Sandquist lying close to the barn on the lot occupied by Mrs Sandquist. He was unconscious and was bleeding from cuts in the forehead. Swanson carried him into the house and Dr Nusbaum was sent for. He found Mr Sandquist still unconscious with symptoms of heart failure, was unable to restore him to consciousness, and had him taken to the Sanatorium.

Marshal Giddle was sent for and an examination of the premises was made. There was considerable blood on the rubbish where the head lay and a trail of blood went back for a few yards, where he had apparently fallen before and there too, was quite a spot of blood and a trail of drops led south along the alley for about 50 feet through an opening between Swanson's barn and water closet. In the closet there were several drops of blood and blood stains were thick on the walk outside and in the opening into the alley.

Sandquist received the most careful attention but only regained consciousness once and that was just a short time before he died. Attorney J.E. Buland was present when he became conscious and when asked how it happened Sandquist said that "Someone done it," but he could not tell who. A few minutes afterward he died leaving the mystery for others to solve. Sheriff Parker had, of course, been called in the meantime and had gone over all the ground carefully as had many others.

Soon after the death of Sandquist, which occurred at 2 Sunday afternoon, the coroner, Dr R.H. Parker was called and a coroners jury was chosen. The only evidence of injury was the cuts found on Sandquist's forehead. There were to about an inch and on half long and two shorter ones. None of the cuts would cause death and there are no blood vessels in that part of the head from which one could bleed to death. There was no evidence either on the head or elsewhere on the body of a bruise or other violence. In fact there is no explanation of what caused death. The stomach was removed and Dr E.H. Ash took it to the state chemist at Des Moines on the afternoon train Monday to have it examined for poison.

So far as can be learned, Sandquist left the store of R.L. Cooper, where he has been employed as shoemaker, shortly after ten Saturday night. He left everything as he generally does with no evidence of hurry or nervousness. Charles Sheldon purchased a pair of shoes of him shortly before ten and he appeared the same Frank he has for these many years. Where he spent the time up until he was found is what no one can explain.

Mr Sandquist came here from the old country in the fall of 1881 and went to work for Sam Donaldson. After a couple of years he went to Des Moines where he remained for a short time when he returned and entered the employ of Mr Friss who later went into partnership with the late W.C. Kinne, taking Mr Sandquist with him, where he worked until a couple of years ago when he entered the employ of R.L. Cooper.

About 20 years ago he was married, but his married life has not always been pleasant, the merits of which matter this newspaper has and does not see fit to discuss. At any rate, Mr Sandquist and his daughter, Miss Mabel, have been keeping up one establishment and Mrs Sandquist has not lived with them.

During his residence in this city, Mr Sandquists attention to business and honesty have won him the respect of all. His dealing with his fellow men have been beyond reproach. The tragic ending of his career is regretted by all and many conflicting opinions which it is not in our providence to enlarge upon are expressed as to the cause of his death and things pertaining thereto. A feasible defense of either the suicide or foul play theory can be stated as there is much evidence to support either supposition.

One piece of evidence which has had considerable weight with some was the alleged finding of Sandquist's knife on Monday in a pile of rubbish. The knife had blood on it.

Funeral services were held at the Lakeside church Wednesday afternoon. The attendance was the largest ever seen at a funeral in Storm Lake. Interment was made in the Storm Lake cemetery.