James McGrane Beaten to Death 1869

MCGRANE, CANTILLON, WAPLES, MCCANNA, HALL, BALDWIN, HOOPS, CONNERS, MCCANNA, MCCABE

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 2/13/2016 at 22:43:28

The Herald, Tuesday, April 4, 1869

INQUEST
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MAN BEATEN TO DEATH
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Result of an Inquest by
Coroner Cantillon
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The readers of the HERALD will remember the case of the death of James McGrane, near Cascade, resulting from injuries received by being beaten near Key West about a month ago. The facts as they appear are that Mr. McGrane, a poor man residing in Jones County, about five or six miles from Cascade, on the 11th of March started with a load of produce for market in the city, driving a yoke and oxen. When a short distance this side of Key West he met two men named Edward Conners and Thomas McCanna, who reside in Washington Township, Jackson County, returning home. A difficulty arose respecting the right of way in the road, which finally culminated in a fight, in which McGrane was fearfully beaten and kicked in the head and breast. He finally got away and came on with his load to Dubuque. He put up with his brother-in-law, named McCabe, on Julien Avenue. He remained the next day, and on Saturday the day following, returned home, reaching it late at night. He complained to his wife of being sick and said something concerning having been killed. He went to bed and rapidly became worse, until the next Thursday he died. The coroner of Jones County summoned a physician from Cascade and held an inquest. No postmortem examination was had, and the jury returned an indifferent verdict.

On Thursday of last week, Coroner Cantillion having been notified of the facts in the case proceeded with county physician Waples to Cascade, and on Friday had the remains of McGrane disinterred and held an inquest. A jury was summoned, consisting of William F. Hall, Andrew Hoops, and Isaac M. Baldwin, of Cascade. Although examination was had, and testimony taken, resulting in a verdict that James McCrane came to his death from the effects of blows and injuries received at the hands of Edward Connors. Information has been lodged against both Connors and McCanna, though testimony seems to show but one of the connected with the affair.

Coroner Cantillon deserves great credit for the energy he has displayed in performing his official duty in this case. If it shall result in bringing to punishment the parties guilty of this murder of a poor man, the service will be a public good.