When was it published?

September 12, 1929 in The Sauk Centre Herald

Story September 12, 1929

The Sauk Centre Herald

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Edward Hennen, Sheriff J. C. Weckman

Q: What themes does it cover?

Crime Punishment, Bravery Heroism, Misfortune

Q: What keywords are associated?

Child Assault, Lynching Attempt, Sheriff Bravery, Barbed Wire Attack

Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minnesota

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What is this article about?

In Shakopee, Minn., a mob attempted to lynch a suspect arrested for attacking 14-year-old Edward Hennen with barbed wire. Sheriff J. C. Weckman fended off the crowd and secured the prisoner, who was identified by the boy.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Shakopee, Minn., Sept. 5—An incensed mob of Scott county citizens Sunday attempted to storm the county jail at this place and take a prisoner who had been arrested earlier in the day by Sheriff J. C. Weckman as a suspect in the attack Saturday afternoon on 14-year-old Edward Hennen, who was trussed up with barbed wire and left in an open field to the mercy of a burning sun.

When the sheriff arrived at the county jail from Merriam Junction, a railroad division about two miles from the spot where the boy was found Saturday, and where the suspect was arrested, an angry crowd of men and women milled about on the court house grounds. Cries of "lynch him" and "give him up, sheriff," greeted the officer and suspect.

The sheriff, with drawn revolver, pushed his prisoner to one side, and holding the crowd at bay, succeeded in marching the suspect into a small room in his house, which adjoins the jail.

He was later positively identified by the boy as the man who abused him. No reason is known for the man's deed, except criminal insanity.

What sub-type of article is it?

Crime Story Heroic Act

What themes does it cover?

Crime Punishment Bravery Heroism Misfortune

What keywords are associated?

Child Assault Lynching Attempt Sheriff Bravery Barbed Wire Attack

What entities or persons were involved?

Edward Hennen Sheriff J. C. Weckman

Where did it happen?

Shakopee, Minn., Scott County, Merriam Junction

Story Details

Key Persons

Edward Hennen Sheriff J. C. Weckman

Location

Shakopee, Minn., Scott County, Merriam Junction

Event Date

Sept. 5 (Sunday Mob), Saturday Afternoon (Attack)

Story Details

A 14-year-old boy, Edward Hennen, was attacked, trussed with barbed wire, and left in a field. Suspect arrested by Sheriff J. C. Weckman at Merriam Junction. Angry mob tried to lynch him at county jail, but sheriff held them off with revolver and secured the suspect. Boy identified suspect; motive unknown, possibly criminal insanity.