Historical Murders and Mayhem in Redwood County

Minnesota is a picturesque place with its quaint communities composed of farming families, prairie towns, and Scandinavian traditions. But it’s not all appealing and enchanting. Historical murders and mayhem in Redwood County are found in archives.

From murders and feuds to lynchings and courtroom drama, Redwood County has a long list of historical crimes. Domestic violence and deaths are nothing new in the dark side of rural life in Redwood County. This article features forgotten and chilling crimes, along with the lessons learned from these aggressions.

Preserving Forgotten Histories

The past, despite its rough exteriors and unhinged stories, is a necessary component for growth. Without acknowledging the past mistakes and narratives, a community will not flourish.

In the effort to preserve history—no matter how gritty its stories—people have undertaken extensive research and restoration processes. From Redwood County unsolved murders to Redwood County’s notorious criminals and scandals, these have been archived for future generations to read.

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Most sources for these infamous Redwood County trials and cases come from old newspapers, courthouse files, and museum records. Checking and verifying these materials is intensive.

These domestic tragedies, public executions, and internal conflicts have patterns. As a community, the new generation hopes to avoid these kinds of issues for the benefit of the people.

Notorious Crimes of Redwood County

Various factors fueled individuals to engage in horrific crimes against their neighbors, families, and friends. Different economic stressors triggered violent crimes among people living in communities.

A study published by Cornell University about the wheat market in Minnesota from 1858 to 1900 revealed that fluctuations in crop output, competition from the international market, and transport costs were detrimental to farmers and their incomes. Overproduction caused significant problems for farmers. Not only does the problem affect farmers, but it also devastates other groups.

1. Mob Violence and Lynching (1866) – Based on Redwood County’s historical data, vigilante justice was considered a valid form of revenge. In 1866, during a heated confrontation, a couple of men violently attacked other people, resulting in deaths. Instead of holding trials for the accused, vigilantes lynched people. Mob violence and lynching were their way of showing justice. Law enforcement was not prevalent during those times. And so, civilians chose other means of justice.
2. Poisonings, Pitchforks, and Farm Feuds – In a time when pistols and revolvers were not available, farm tools and poisons were the common weapons used for murder. The problems between neighbors, family members, and friends rose from inheritance battles, alcohol-induced fights, and small, internal disputes. Simple issues such as property boundaries, crop failures, debt, and disagreements often escalate into large fights resulting in deaths. Additionally, poisonings with strychnine or arsenic were used to eliminate rivals or abusive spouses.
3. 1909 Redwood Falls Shooting – In that fateful summer, two farmers, who had disputes over property boundaries and unpaid debts, had an argument in a public area. Unlike other feuds, which happened in neighborhood properties, this quarrel happened in a different setting. After another fight, one of the men pulled a revolver and shot his rival. With that level of violence openly witnessed by other people, the community was worried about safety.
4. The Execution of William Rose (1891) – In 1891, William Rose was accused of shooting Moses Lufkin, a prominent figure in the community. Despite unreliable witness statements and circumstantial evidence, he was convicted of the crime. Rose’s trial was quick and thorough as the community pushed for a “decisive justice”. On the morning of his execution, a crowd had gathered to witness the event. During that time, death by hanging was a public spectacle, and so, people witnessed William Rose’s demise. The truth about Lufkin’s murder remains unsolved, as William Rose was only a suspect.
5. The Murder of Joseph Wipf (1899) – Joseph Wipf was a respected farmer and member of the Hutterite community. The Hutterites were an Anabaptist group who chose to settle in Minnesota for farming opportunities and religious freedom. While the group kept to themselves and their community, they were often misunderstood by outsiders and other groups. Struck with a blunt object, Joseph was killed in his fields. Being part of a religious community, his murder shocked Redwood County and other communities. Unfortunately, no one was caught and convicted of the crime.
6. The Kleeman Family Tragedy (1917) – The Kleemans were a German-American immigrant family composed of four children and their parents. The family had lived modestly on their farm and had livestock for survival.  In 1917, the father, William Kleeman, used an axe to brutally murder his wife and four children and then himself. Reasons behind his motive were unclear, but the economic hardship, mental health strain, and isolation might have pushed the head of the family to kill his beloved wife and kids. The crime rocked the community, and it showcased the brutality of life in that timeline.

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Patterns in Redwood County Crime

Redwood County’s true crime history has patterns. For instance, domestic violence usually occurs within families because of economic problems and mental illnesses.

As crimes happen within communities, victims and perpetrators know each other. Hence, it disrupts social trust and camaraderie.

There were judicial gaps in courts where justice might be different for a person. And with the community clamoring for a swift justice process, some prisoners or convicts do not receive equality. Struggles between law enforcement and the general public were evident. Historical murders and mayhem in Redwood County are part of the past that should be remembered.

The Impact of These Crimes

Compared to today, justice from that era was very different. From social prejudice to violence against other communities, the people were also facing problems with the economy, weather, and external factors. But why does it matter today?

When readers look back from that era to today, they will see the huge difference. Community memory from decades ago has influenced the community that’s here today. Importantly, the historical details are a reminder of what should not happen again in these modern times. History cannot be changed; the world keeps on moving. What matters most is learning from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

If you like reading historical crimes, murders, and stories, Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem in Minnesota is the perfect book for you. This novel explores diverse stories that have shaped the entire community. You can grab a copy of this informative piece here.