Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-04-04
Sensational, Perhaps Fatal
Shooting Near Graettinger
Result Of Detective Work
SYMPATHY LIES WITH VICTIM
The Tragedy Grew Out of the Receipt
by J. A. Spies, a Wealthy Lumber
Dealer, of a Threatening Letter De-
mandins That $1,000 Be Left at
Place Designated by the Writer.
Special to Times Republican.

! Graettinger, April 4.-Henry Deeter,
| a farmer living one mile southeast of
this place, was probably fatally shot
Sunday by Conrad Wigman, who Is
also a resident of this community. The
circumstances leading UP to the ter
rible tragedy are as follows:
j. A. Spies, a wealthy lumber dealer
and the owner of several farms, re-
ceiyed a threatening letter u few days
ago in which he was asked by the un-
known writer to place $1,000 in the
weight box of hay stacker that
during the winter has been left in a
meadow just east OF the Des Moines
river and about a mile from town. The
writer threatened Mr.. Spies with great
violence unless his demands We're met,
not later than the morning of April q.
On the evening Of April Mr.. Spies
placed a worthless package In the
weight box and arranged to have
Conrad Wigman, the son of one of his
tenants, and deputy sheriff con-
cealed in the top of stack of hay
which stood near the hay stack. A
careful watch during Friday night de-
veloped nothing Of the author of the
letter and at daylight the deputy sher-
if thinking further vigilance was I'M
necessary, proposed that he and Wig
man return to town. Young Wigman
thought differently and allowed the
deputy to return to town alone.
A short time afterward probably
about o'clock a. M, Henry Deeter
approached the stacker from the di-
rection of his home, carrying shot
gun, land seemed to be hunting ducks
and other game Upon arriving at the
stacker he went to the weight box and
picked up the package Mr.. Spies had
placed there. Young Wigman arose
from his hiding place ON the stack and
demanded that Deeter lay down his
gun. Deeter seemed much surprised
at Wigman's presence and before
satisfactory explanation was made by
either, both being well known to each
other, Wiginan flred a heavy charge of
b. b. shot iato Deeters body. which
was facing the stack on which Wig
man stood. The charge took effect on
the right side and arm. Deeter fell
and lay in fainting condition for
short time, during which Wigman
came down from the stack and stood
near him. When Deeter had partially
recovered from the shock Wigman
compelled him to pick up the package
and walk to town with it, the distance
being fully q mile. When the true
condition of the wounded man was
learned he was given medical attend
ance and later taken to his home,
where he lies with the chances of re-
coyery somewhat against him.
Mr.. Deeter has always enjoyed an
excellent reputation as a law-abiding
citizen and his neighbors are certain
that his explanation of the affair is
the truth. Iii fact public opinion
sc ems to be strongly in his favor. He
says the hay stacker was his own
property, and that he went to the
weight box to get wrench to take the
stacker apart that he might take it to
his home. He saw the package and
naturally being surprised at finding 1t
there was examining it when accosted
by Wigman. He denies any knowledge
of the letter received by Spies, and the
fact that he carried gun is nothing
peculiar, as he always has done SO
during the hunting season, and while
at the weight box did not in any way
Wigman with it.
Conrad Wigman is an intelligent
young man from good family, and is
rot of vicious disposition. He UNI
was somewhat excited and
being deeply impressed with the im-
portance of capturing his man did not
realize that he could be mistaken in
the matter and acted rashly. Wigman
was placed under bonds for his flu
ture appearance