Iowa
Old Press
Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa
January 8, 1891
Murder of C. H. Wessell
Clinton County Advertiser: On Thursday morning the
nearly lifeless body of C. H. Wessell, was found by Chas. Jargo,
about forty rods from the Teeds Grove post office. The head bore
marks of severe bruises. Wessell was taken into a neighboring
house, but expired a few minutes after being found. The night
before he had been at a party at Teeds Grove, and left there
about one o’clock in the morning. The body was not
discovered until six. An inquest was holden last night but the
coroner refused to divulge any particulars this morning, except
that there were a couple of bullet holes through the old
man’s head. It is supposed to be the work of some parties
who were at the dance, and became angered at him. Arrests are
momentarily looked for, as it is supposed the coroner has
possession of some facts as to who the guilty parties are.
Deceased was about 70 years of age, and had resided near Teeds
Grove for nearly a score of years. He leaves a wife and several
children residing in that neighborhood, one of which, Aug., is
store keeper at Teeds. The coroner was notified yesterday
afternoon by Mrs. Aug. Wessell, and, together with Mr. Jackson,
court reporter, and other citizens from Clinton, went to the
scene of the tragedy last evening for the purpose of viewing the
body.
[Transcribed by K.W., September]
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Sabula Gazette
Sabula, Jackson County, Iowa
January 15, 1891
Cold Blooded Murder
Frank Davis, a Clinton “tough,” stabbed a saloon keeper
named Spencer Dewey, in that city last Friday night. The knife
used was a long bladed packet knife and the wound is just above
the heart, between the fourth and fifth rib. It is thought the
victim will recover.
LATER – Dewey died from the effects of the wound received
Wednesday evening. It is said that Davis’ confinement in
jail is all that prevents his being lynched. It was a cold
blooded murder.
[Transcribed by K.W., October 2009]