Brutal-Mr. Jim Molony 1869

MOLONG, OBRIEN, SWYSER, KING, LITTLE

Posted By: CHERYL MOONEN (email)
Date: 10/7/2018 at 11:12:44

Buchanan County bulletin, Friday, May 14, 1869, Independence, IA, Page: 4

Buchanan County bulletin, Friday, May 14, 1869, Independence, IA, Page: 4

BRUTAL

At an early hour on Saturday evening last there took place on Main Street in front of O’Brien’s store a most cowardly and brutal transaction; one that proves that these many lives in the midst of civilized and enlightened communities, beings with human forms but with all the instincts, passions and savage nature of wild beasts. It appears that Mrs. Daniel Smyser who lives a short distance from town had some difficulty with Jim Molony, a man of notorious and brutal character. On the evening in question when Smyser was passing up street, Molony, who was evidently on the watch for him, and some conversation ensued. Before scarcely a dozen words had passed, Molony struck Smyser a powerful blow, knocking him down, and while he was in that position, kicked and stamped his face out of all resemblance to a human countenance . When Smyser was helped up his lip hung in shreds, his eyes were closed and several deep cuts marked his face in other places. He was taken into King’s store where the surgeons were over an hour dressing his wounds. The brute Molony was taken before E. C. Little, Esq. and waived examination was bound over to the District Court in $500 bond. The inhumane character of the assault provoked a general feeling of indignation among the better class of citizens, which was all the more intense, for the reason this is not the first offense of Molony. He bears the reputation of a bully, and glories in it. He has been rat6her encouraged otherwise in his vicious courses, with being left off with slight fines or in some cases no fine, when arranged for his violations of peace and good order. We but echo the voice of nineteenths of this community that we wish that he may this time, get the heaviest penalty of the law. In this case he has not even the poor excuse for his offense, of being in liquor. Pure malevolence was the only cause. Rum sellers are so seldom without responsibility in offenses of this kind, that the exception is worthy of mention.