First Murder In Fayette County

OSTRANDER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/24/2009 at 07:52:02

Dubuque Weekly Times, October 31, 1861.

MURDER

West Union, Oct. 22, 1861.

Editor Times:- On the night of the 20th last, our usually quiet community were startled by the news that a murder had been committed in Auburn township, in this county.

As Coroner of the county, I was called to hold as inquest upon the body, which resulted in a verdict of the jury summoned, that, Thankful Maria Ostrander came to her death by blows inflicted upon her head with some heavy instrument, in the hands of George Ostrander, her husband, with felonious intent.

Ostrander is now committed for trial. It seems the deed was done while the victim was in the yard milking; the blows being given with such force as to cause instant death. This is the first murder ever committed in our county.

C.B.Lake

A MURDERER.-

The Sheriff of Fayette county arrived in the city Thursday from West Union, having in his custody George Ostrander, the man who killed his wife in Auburn township a day or two since. There is no jail in the county, consequently they are obliged to send him to another county for safe keeping. He will remain there until June next awaiting his trial, which will give him some considerable time in which to repent, for he will certainly be hung unless it is proved he is insane or he escapes.