Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, president
"Valley Falls Again Furnishes the Sensation of the Week" headlined an unidentified Oskaloosa publication dated Feb. 14, 1896, which claimed the following item appeared under the head of 'Valley Falls Items — A full account of the cold-blooded murder of Mike Duffy by EPH Hayden.' ":
"About nine o'clock Saturday night, EPH Hayden and Mike Duffy became involved in a drunken row over the pugilistic question of which 'was the best man.' After a few passes, they clinched, wrestled, and fell from the sidewalk into the gutter, Hayden on top pounding Duffy in the face and breast, asking him if he would say 'Enough!' Duffy made no reply and those gathered around began to fear an awful tragedy and tried to get EPH off his helpless foe. He slashed out at those who interfered, finally got up and ran to his home a few blocks away.
"Witnesses ran for the city marshal and for physicians. Dr. Marks hastened to the dying man and was soon joined by Dr. Gephart. The doctors found Duffy breathless and pulseless after having the body removed to a room at the Hillyer House. Dr. VanMeer arrived by this time. Death ensued in less than half an hour.
"The report of the killing spread rapidly so Marshal Fletcher and a large party of citizens went to Hayden's home to capture him, but he was not to be captured then.
"Armed with a musket and a revolver, he met the crowd and defied them to take him. The posse was approaching the Hayden house from different directions and Hayden knew he had the advantage in the darkness, since the posse could not always distinguish him from one of their own members. Hayden fired at the crowd, several shots were exchanged and cries of 'I've been shot!' rang out from the crowd. Hayden dodged around and was seen no more. That ended the battle for the night. The marshal needed more ammunition and the wounded needed attention.
"After his escape from town Sunday night, Hayden went to Joe Senn's home and asked Joe if he had killed the man (Duffy), and if so, what to do. Senn advised him to give himself up and to vacate his premises.
"Hayden said he would not be taken alive. When word spread that Hayden had been on the Senn premises, the posse hastened to capture him, but he had fled and was not seen again until Tuesday."
The Tuesday escapade will be related in detail in a future issue.
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11. Admission is free.
