Iowa
Old Press
Iowa City Press Citizen
Iowa City, Johnson co. Iowa
September 2, 1922
Robb Prepares as Executioner
Des Moines, Sept. 2 - As the time for execution of Eugene Weeks
draws near, Winfred E. Robb, former pastor, and sheriff of Polk
county, remains firm in his decision to fulfill his first role as
hangman. Weeks was convicted of the murder of George A. Fosdick,
Des Moines grocer. Robb's determination to carry out his grim
duty has aroused debate throughout the state. Many commend the
former pastor, many criticize him. Among the latter are many of
his former parishioners. "It is my duty, and I feel called
upon to carry out that duty, for which the electors sent me to
office," he declared. The date of execution has been set for
September 8, the place, Fort Madison penitentiary. It was Robb
who instituted a search for the condemned man and an accomplice
which resulted in their capture after a long hunt through many
large cities of the country.
Iowan, 70, Fails to Hear Train; Killed
Parkersburg, Ia., Sept 2 - Sam Wilson, 70 years old, was killed
by a Chicago, Northwestern passenger train here yesterday. He was
slightly deaf and apparently failed to hear the approaching
train.
Two Sioux City Men Killed When Auto Jumps Bank
Sioux City, Ia., Sept. 2 - T.A. Johnson, 45 years old, president
of the Guardian Life Insurance company of Sioux City and M.
Milber, 35 years old, were killed, five miles north of here
yesterday when their auto went over a fifty foot embankment.
State Control Board to Attend Execution of Peavey Sept. 8
Des Moines, Sept. 2 - Members of the state board of control will
go to Ft. Madison September 8, when Ira Pavey, Sioux City
murderer, is scheduled to hang, it was announced today, to assist
Warden T.P. Hollowell in any way possible. The execution of
Parvey will be the first hanging under the Iowa laws for twelve
years.
Miss Sarah Rice, Iowa School Teacher, Dies
Boone, Ia., Sept. 2 - Word was received here today from Hot
Springs, Ark., telling of the death of Miss Sarah Rice, former
principal of the Boone high school, and later professor of
mathematics at the State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. She was
given a leave of absence a year ago from the Teachers college
because of ill health. She was well known among teachers of Iowa.
Prominent Lumber Man of Iowa Dies
Des Moines, Sept. 2 - Charles L. Gilcrest, secretary-treasurer of
a large lumber company bearing his name here, died at his home
early this morning. He was sixty-three years old. Mr. Gilcrest
had been identified with business interests in Des Moines for
many years.
[transcribed by S.F., May 2004]