Fatal Altercation Near LaMotte

WILSON, ROONEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/11/2009 at 17:09:17

Jackson Sentinel, Maquoketa, Iowa, September 23, 1875

Fatal altercation near LaMotte

Friday last an altercation occurred near LaMotte, this county, between George Wilson of that place, and a young man named Rooney, which will probably result in the death of the former. Both were employed on a threshing machine. Rooney was pitching from the stack and Wilson, objecting to the manner in which he performed his work, sharp words followed between the men, resulting in blows, during which Wilson was struck on the head by a pitchfork in the hands of Rooney, fracturing his skull. He was conveyed to his home in an insensible state, and physicians summoned, who it is said, pronounced his case hopeless. Rooney, who is only about 17 years of age, was arrested, but by the aid of friends, succeeded in making his escape, and is still at large, or was at last accounts.