Murders and Deaths

Brutal Murder    

Nebraska City, Nebraska, April 30. – Leo Shellenberger, a substantial farmer, and his wife, were arrested this evening for the murder of the former’s child and a step-child of the woman.  The child was found in a cellar under their house with its throat cut from ear to ear.  She was a bright, golden-haired girl of 11.  The evidence shows previous brutality and general hatred, especially on the part of the woman.  They claimed that she killed herself, but this pronounced impossible by the physicians.  The parties are in jail.  Strong threats of lynching have been made, and there is great excitement in this city.  The child was heir to valuable property which reverts to the father, and this fact is given as the direct motive. 

Herald Democrat (Leadville, CO) - May 1, 1886 

Transcribed and contributed by:  Pat Tomko

School Teacher Killed   

Nebraska City, NE, April 20 - Word has been received here of the killing of Miss Jennie Palmer in Wisconsin while out riding.  She was one of the best known and most popular school teachers of this county.

Source: Custer County Republican, Broken Bow, NE, April 26, 1900 edition

Transcribed by: Melody Beery