Mrs Mike Hodapp, whose home was near Paullina, died at the Cherokee state hospital last Tuesday, where she had been several weeks. The deceased came to Aurelia thirteen years ago, afterwards going to O'Brien county. She leaves her husband and seven children.  (Source: Cherokee Democrat Semi-Weekly, Tues., 13 Mar 1903, pg. 4)

One Man's Downfall - Old Time Engineer Dies at Cherokee Hospital
James Moriarty of Sioux City, an old-time Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul engineer, died at the Cherokee State Hospital on Wednesday, where he has been the past few weeks. Speaking of his death the Sioux City Journal says:"
Mr. Moriarty was unmarried and but little is known of his family. Superintendent Voldeng said he spoke once of a sister in South Dakota.
James Moriarty ten years ago was one of the most widely known locomotive engineers in the U. S.  He attained prominence by the stand he took in a strike of the Brotherhood of Locomotives Union. He refused to leave his engine and was the only man to stay by the company. In those days he was tall and erect, very particular as to his dress and really was a handsome man. About five years ago, dissipation began to undermine his powerful constitution and then he became a victim of muscular rheumatism. In a short time his shoulders began to droop, his back took on a hump, his gait was slouchy and his clothes were ragged. He went from bad to worse. About two months ago the Journal learned he was sleeping on a bunk in the Barber Asphalt company's office on the city dump. His face was covered with a long, shaggy beard and his condition was filthy. (Source:  The Cherokee Democrat, Fri., 15 May 1903, pg. 1)

To Get Him Out - Court to Decide as to Insane Patient's Condition.
There seems to be a difference of opinion between the officials at the Cherokee State Hospital and the friends of Jonathan Pennington as to the latters present state of mind. Anyway, legal proceedings have been resorted to in an effort to get Mr. Pennington out of the asylum. Attorney Wm. Mulvaney has  made application for a writ of habeas corpus and the question will be argued today before Judge Oliver, who is holding court at LeMars. (Source: Cherokee Democrat, Thurs., 25 Feb 1904, pg. 1)

Inebriate Ward Escapee Returned
Wm. Moburg of Gowrie, who escaped from the inebriate ward of the Cherokee state hospital about a year ago, was brought back on Friday. He had been here but a short time when he escaped and after returning home was good to his family for several months but fell from grace and got into the old rute. (Source: The Cherokee Democrat, Mon., 7 Nov 1904, pg. 4)

Insane Over Religion - Sioux County Wife Murderer is Brought to State Hospital
Wm. Van der Wilt, the Sioux county farmer who last week killed his wife by beating her with a chair, was abjudged insane and was brought to the Cherokee state hospital on Friday.
Further details of the shocking tragedy have been learned. After dinner Van der Wilt took down the bible to read it - a Holland custom. He complained of his religious condition and need of conversion. His wife said, "I would not worry about it." he yelled, "You would not, would you?" threw the book at his wife, started for her with a chair and struck her with it as she was leaving the room. He then beat her head into an unrecognizable mass. After killing his wife the man jumped upon a horse and escaped,but was caught by neighbors two miles from his home.
Word was sent to the county officials at Orange City an Deputy Sheriff Walraven arrested the man and took him to the county seat.
Van der Wilt is rational at times, and today said that he had been hypnotized. He said he wanted to be taken to the Cherokee hospital for insane.
The murdered woman left five children. There is plenty of property to provide for them. (Source: The Cherokee Democrat, Mon., 6 Mar 1905, pg. 1)

Shay Gets "Shot" - Released from "jag" Ward - He became a Nuisance.
John Henry Shay of Sioux City was releasled on parole from the inebriate ward of the Cherokee state hospital on Thursday, and to celebrate the event he at once proceeded to acquire his regular "jag". By Saturday night he had become such a nuisance that Sheriff Hogan rounded him up and placed him in the county jail. He was "wild and woolly" and it was feared he might commit some crime. At a drug store he demanded alcohol, and when refused it he grabbed the druggist by the fact. He had taken several boys by the throat and threatened to annihilate them.
Sheriff Hogan has notified the Sioux City authorities and if they do not take any action he wll be disposed of in some other way. (Source: The Cherokee Democrat, Mon., 6 Mar 1905, pg. 1)

Geo. Sellers Dead - Pioneer Resident Passed Away Last Monday Night - Death Occurred at State Hospital Where He Has Been Cared for several Years
George Sellers, who has been a resident of Cherokee county since 1870, died at the Cherokee state hospital on Monday night. His health has been poor for the past ten years or so, and a few years ago he became an inmate of the state insititution, where a private nurse and attendant was provided for him.
After his death, the remains were taken to the home of Mrs. Fred Sellers, widow of his deceased son. The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church this afternoon.
Following is a link to a biographical sketch of the deceased, taken from the history of Cherokee county, published in 1889. (Source: The Cherokee Democrat, Thurs. 21 Sep 1905, pg. 1)