This image is the cover for the book Murder & Mayhem in Scott County, Iowa

Murder & Mayhem in Scott County, Iowa

The infamous criminal history of Iowa’s oldest county takes center stage in this true crime account of murder, robbery, and mayhem.

Scott County, Iowa has a rich and venerable history. It is where the Blackhawk Treaty was signed. It’s where the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was built. But Scott County has a dark and history as well.

Travel down Utica Ridge Road, where young Grace Reed paid the ultimate price for spurning the affections of a local farmer. Enter the bedroom of Margaretha Nehlsen, who poisoned her children with chocolate candies. Hear the tale of Harry Hamilton, a former policeman turned career criminal who played a key part in the most notorious bank robbery in Scott County history . . .

Learn about these stories and more as Murder & Mayhem in Scott County, Iowa explores the darker side of this midwestern County and its shocking, unlawful history.

John Brassard

John Brassard Jr. is an author and historian from eastern Iowa. He has a degree in history from Iowa State University and is a history columnist for the DeWitt Observer. John's work has also been featured in the North Scott Press, the Quad City Times, the Catholic Messenger and the Iowa History Journal. He serves as a board member and newsletter editor for the Scott County Historical Preservation Society and works with the Scott County Historical Society, the Central Community Historical Society and the Friends of Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.

The History Press