IOWA AX WIELDER MOVED TO SECRET HIDING PLACE BY SHERIFF
Harlan, Iowa (JFK+50) On July 27, 1922, John Schaefer, facing a murder charge, "was transferred to a secret hiding place by Sheriff Hansen" for his own protection.
The seventy year old ax carrying resident of Panama* struck down the village blacksmith, sixty year old John M. Hersdt "last Friday." Schaefer carried the ax "as a threat against whistlers."
The incident occurred as Schaefer was chasing some "whistling boys" in front of the blacksmith's forge. Hersdt called out "Come on over, John, and whistle for me." Those were his last words. The blacksmith died in hospital the following day.
*Panama is located in Shelby County, Iowa 12 miles from Harlan. It was established in 1882 with the building of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway through the Iowa territory.
SOURCE
"Killed For Whistling; Murderer Carried Ax For Years As Threat," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 27, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
