West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
A FOUL MURDER

Arthur Mead shot down by a Cowardly Robber

Dastardly tragedy at McCarthy's lunch room early this morning. Assassin is unknown and escapes.

"The most dastardly crime in the history of West Liberty was committed about one o'clock this morning, when Arthur Mead was wantonly shot down by an unknown assassin.

The tragedy occurred at McCarthy's restaurant, near the depot. The murdered man, Frank Elliot, Harry Whitehead and a country boy were in the restaurant at the time, while behind the counter were the night clerks, Frank Moylan and James Lane. A lone man entered the door, wearing a mask and carrying a revolver. Leveling his gun, he cried, "All hands up," and when the occupants of the place seemed slow in complying he repeated the order. Mr. Mead undoubtedly considered it a joke by a friend, for he advanced toward the man, saying, "You can't fool me, D. I., meaning D. I. Peters, the merchant tailor. Without warning the man pulled the trigger and sent a 38-calibre ball through the young man's heart. Without realizing that he was mortally wounded, he went behind the counter and sat down on a chair, carelessly throwing one leg over the other. He never uttered another word and life was extinct in a few minutes.

The robber then demanded the contents of the cash register. Mr. Moylan emptied the box on the counter---about $26---when he demanded that it be put into his hand. He was accommodated. Backing out of the house he said," I'm sorry I had to do it young fellow, but I hope I didn't hurt you much and that you'll get well. This is my last job of this kind, but I had to do it."

An alarm was telephoned to central and the fire whistle and bell aroused the populace. Numerous parties set out in search of the assassin.

A meeting was held at the city hall this morning and a posse of a hundred men volunteered to prosecute a vigorous search for the murderer. Surrounding towns are also enlisted.

Marshal Wiley authorizes notice of a reward of $500 for the arrest and conviction of the murderer. He is described as being an ordinary looking man of average build; wearing a brown suit."

The murderer was never found.

Taken from "The West Liberty Enterprise" May 14, 1903.

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