Murderer's Confession

WILFORD, ELY

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 4/8/2009 at 23:32:09

Maquoketa Excelsior-Record
September 3, 1918

Guy Wilford, Murderer Confesses His Guilt
County Attorney Ely Gets Speedy Results in Maquoketa’s Sensational Criminal Case.
Faces Charge of Murder in the First Degree.

Wilford’s Confession.

I, Guy Wilford, wish to make a statement of the murder of my wife and I wish to make this statement freely and voluntarily without any promise from any one and knowing that this statement which is in my own handwriting may be used against me.

I went to Davenport on the 27th day of August, 1918, Tuesday noon; got down there about two o’clock; we went to Rock Island first, then we went back to Davenport. I had my wife and her niece, Velma Taylor, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Godwin with me. I left them on Second street. My wife asked me what time I would be back and I said about an hour, so while I was gone, I done what errands I had to do; I stopped on Harrison street and purchased a revolver; then I went and ordered some Studebaker parts; then I met my wife at the Five and Ten Cent store, and I went up with her to look at a coat which I like and brought for her; then we had supper and started home. Arrived about 8:40, left Mr. and Mrs. Godwin out and started home. I milked and done the chores and we went to bed. I put the gun in the dumb waiter before I retired and I got up about 11 o’clock. I heard a screen door slam shut; I didn’t get up at first. I was a little nervous so I laid there a few minutes and I didn’t hear anything so I got up and got the gun. I went out in the kitchen and I didn’t see any one. I looked out both doors and I didn’t hear anything so it made me uneasy; I went back to bed and my wife asked me what was the matter and I told her I heard a noise so she went o sleep again. I couldn’t go to sleep, it seems, for I was nervous and I kept hearing things all the time. I had my hand on the revolver all the time. My wife was facing me and I shot and she made a moan and I went in the kitchen and came back and fired at her again and then I went out and shot myself. I then put the gun under the corn crib sill and went into the house. I called Velma that Edith was shot and to call a doctor; she couldn’t get central so I went to the neighbors and they went for a doctor. That is as much as I remember.

I was arrested and taken to jail about four o’clock p.m. Friday by Sheriff McCarthy and County Attorney Clarence Ely. I have received fine treatment from Mr. Ely and Mr. McCarthy.

I am very, very sorry that I killed my wife, but that didn’t bring her back. This statement has been written by me in the presence of Wm. Hiler, Dr. Wm. Lowder, Jas. Buchner, Sheriff Justin McCarthy, Deputy Sheriff John Dallagher and County Attorney Clarence Ely.

I wish to state this confession is in my own words, and is made without any force or compulsion on the part of anyone.

Signed by me at the County Jail at 10 o’clock p.m., August 30, 1918.

(Signed) GUY WILFORD