Wheelock, Mortimor Brigham – 1868-1913

WHEELOCK

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:29

Polk County Coroner Couldn’t Substantiate Theory of Wheelock Murder
Mortimer B. Wheelock, cashier of the Citizens’ State Bank at Colfax, whose body was found in the Des Moines river on Dec. 3, 1912, came to his death through an unknown cause, according to the finding of a coroner’s jury returned yester.
Ever since the day following the discovery of the banker’s body, Coroner Lee and County Attorney Guthrie have been endeavoring to obtain evidence to substantiate their belief that Wheelock was murdered.
The verdict was as follows: “We the jury, find that the body of Mortimer B. Wheelock was found in the Des Moines river about three quarters of a mile east of Beaver road where it crosses Beaver Creek and about 120 yards north of the mouth of Beaver Creek where it empties into the Des Moines river.
“And, we the jury further find that the exact time and cause of the death of the said Mortimer B. Wheelock is unknown.
(Signed) “Thomas Fairweather, W. H. Ammons, George W. Mercer.”
Sarah Hedges, a chiropodist in the Century building who treated Wheelock’s corns on the afternoon of Dec. 1st, the last day he was seen alive, was called before the jury yesterday morning in order that her testimony might be made a part of the record.
She stated that Wheelock appeared to be in a jovial mood on the afternoon in question and that he told her he would return for a second treatment within a week or two.
Coroner Lee will file his expense report with the county auditor in the next few days. He says the expense incurred will not exceed $300. During the hearing forty-nine witnesses were examined, among whom was George H. York, former Colfax grocer.
All of the evidence secured by the coroner’s jury will be turned over to the grand jury, it was announced by Mr. Lee this morning.
Source: Newton Daily News; Friday, December 4, 1914, page 1