Tag Archives: Rollin V. Ankeny

Below the Melan Arch Bridge: Baby John Doe 1898

Murder Victim Baby John Doe Newborn Infant 1898-1898 Cause of Death: Bludgeoned Motive: Infanticide Murder Scene and Date Des Moines River Sixth Avenue Melan Arch Bridge Des Moines, Iowa Polk County April 22, 1898 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers Written June … Continue reading

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Picture Imperfect: Suspicious Death of Oliver Pearson 1896

Victim Oliver E. Pearson 39-year-old Photographer and Artist 1857-1896 Cause of Death: Pushed From a Height Motive: Business Quarrel Death Scene and Date Pearson Gallery East 6th & East Locust Des Moines, Iowa Polk County March 20, 1896 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By … Continue reading

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“All Around Crook”: Murder of Joplin Red 1900

Murder Victim John West a.k.a “Joplin Red” Safe Cracker, Burglar, Silk Thief Age Unknown Cause of Death: Poisoned Motive: Revenge for Snitching Murder Scene and Date Northwestern Hotel Des Moines, Iowa Polk County February 24, 1900 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Nancy Bowers … Continue reading

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