Soren Peterson (1861-1901)

PETERSON

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:44

Married. – At the M. E. Parsonage Clarion, Oct. 12, by the Rev. I. B. Kilborne, Soren Peterson and Miss Sina Hansen, both of Clarion.

The Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
Wednesday, October 18, 1893
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Hung Himself by his Suspenders

Soren Peterson, a farmer of Dayton township, was arrested on a charge of rape last week and confined in the jail at Clarion. On Tuesday of this week about 5 p. m. he was discovered by Sheriff Duer hanging in the jail dead. He had fastened his suspenders around his neck and attached them to the bars of the window.

The complaining witness against him was a girl only 15 years of age working in his home.

The Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, March 14, 1901
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Death Rather Than Trial

Prisoner in the County Jail Evades Legal Investigation by Hanging.

Some time last week Soren Peterson, who lives about five or six miles northeast of Eagle Grove, was arrested and taken to Clarion. The charge preferred against him was that of rape. The preliminary examination bound him to the grand jury and he was placed in jail until that body met again, which will be at the April term.

Peterson's wife is and has been an invalid for some time and it was necessary to employ a girl to assist in the housework. The girl is about 15 years of age and she is the injured party in tbe alleged crime.

The last term of court succeeded in clearing the county jail thoroly of criminals and Peterson was the only occupant. During the absence of the sheriff he decided that he preferred to leave this mundane sphere rather than face his accusers at a trial of the charge entered opposite his name. So he hung himself. The deed was not discovered until some time after he killed himself and help was unnecessary as life was extinct.

The Times-Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Friday, March 15, 1901