News: Mishek tragedy 1877

MISHEK, CRESICK

Posted By: Melissa Mayhew Grandt (email)
Date: 6/11/2009 at 22:04:55

Iowa State Reporter, Waterloo (Black Hawk Co.), Iowa, 18 July 1877.

On Tuesday morning of last week a terrible tragedy occurred in Castle township, Tama county, which resulted in the death of one man, probably fatal injury of another, and dangerous wounding of a woman. Martin Mishek, a Bohemian, living in the neighborhood, was the murderer. On Sunday, he and his brother-in-law, Cresick, got to quarreling over their drink and words soon turned into blows. Mishek drew a butcher-knife on Cresick, when the latter's wife interfered, and for her pains had her arm slashed from shoulder to elbow, besides receiving a cut in the breast. Cresick was cut on the head, and it is doubtful if he will recover, though he escaped and gave the alarm. An attempt was made by a constable and another man to arrest Meshik at his house, when upon demanding his surrender, the murderous Bohemian, pointing a revolver at the constable's breast, fired, killing him instantly. Upon the other man escaping and giving the alarm, the people surrounded Meshik's house, when he surrendered. A rope was placed around his neck, but the law-abiding citizens finally prevailed in having him formally arrested and lodged in jail.