Stabbing of Henry Diers, 1880

DIERS, WHOLEHAN, ADDICKEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/3/2016 at 20:22:47

Postville Review, Sat., 18 Sept. 1880

A terrible stabbing affray occurred in Decorah last Monday about 11 o'clock a.m. on Washington Street. M. J. Wholehan who kept the Tremont House, had been to the Addicken brewery on Sunday and had been refused beer because he had already had enough. He was also put out by Henry Diers, manager of Mrs. Addicken's estate, for disturbance.

On Monday he met Diers on Washington Street as above, and after a few words had passed he drew a dirk and stabbed Diers six times in a terrible manner, and fled. He was found on the bluff south of the round house and safely lodged in jail.

The latest advices indicate that Diers may possibly recover.

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Elkader Register, Fri., 25 Mar. 1881.

The Decorah Republican says: State of Iowa vs. M. J. Wholehan, charged with assault and battery, with intend to murder. Defendant plead not guilty. Jury trial. Verdict of guilty. Last day of term fixed for pronouncing judgement.

Wholehan, it will be remembered, attacked and stabbed Henry Diers, of this county, who was at work in Decorah. The assault was wholly unprovoked, and if Wholehan gets his deserts he will visit the state penitentiary for some time.

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Elkader Register, Fri., 1 Apr. 1881

The following sentence was passed at the present term of the District Court: M. J. Wholehan, for assault with intent to kill, sent to the penitentiary for one year and nine months.