McGregor Shooting Affray - 1903

GEORGE, DEHAVEN, WALTER, ANDERSON, KURZROCK, CLARK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/5/2016 at 09:34:23

Last Thursday evening a man who had come in town on the train from the south and had registered at the Anderson hotel as R. B. George, of Dubuque, appeared on the streets, acting in a crazy manner - walking up and down the middle of the street, muttering and looking around nervously as if followed. His actions became more suspicious, and the attention of passersby was attracted to him, and it was brought to the notice of J. W. DeHaven, the night watch, who approached the man to investigate. Upon being addressed George picked up a stone and called out that if DeHaven wouldn't let him alone he'd hit him. DeHaven continued to follow him and the fellow threw the stones, running to pick up more. This he kept up until DeHaven told him to stop or he'd fire. Several shots were fired, not directly at the man, but to try to intimidate him. He continued his throwing, using vile language, taunting the night watch with his inability to shoot straight. They had moved from main street to the sewer back of Kurzrock's store. A crowd had collected and everybody was excited. The man had just picked up a cordwood stick when Mayor J. A. Walter ran through Kurzrock's store, right into the fellow, who was dangerously brandishing the stick. Walter ordered him to drop it and put up his hands or he would shoot. He didn't obey and the Mayor shot - the ball passing through the man's lungs. The fellow was taken to Clark's hospital. He was delirious a day or two but has recovered nicely. His mind is clear and he says he was ending a ten day's spree - did not know what he was doing or where he was. He admits his condition was dangerous and does not attach any blame to anyone.

Elkader Register, Thur., 20 Aug. 1903. McGregor column.

The man who was shot is still at the hospital, but is improving, and will likely be out in a short time.

Elkader Register, Thur., 27 Aug. 1903. McGregor column.