1905 Blockton Train Depot Shooting Victim Died of His Wounds

On March 16th, we published the account of a 1905 shooting that occurred at the Blockton train depot that the October 19th, 1905 Worth County Times reprinted from The Blockton News. The October 26th, 1905 Worth County Times reported that John Woodside, the shooting victim, died of his wounds on October 23rd, citing the October 23rd St. Joseph News & Press. The following is the St. Joseph News & Press account:

John F. Woodside of Maloy, Iowa, who was shot at the Chicago Great Western passenger station in Blockton the night of October 11th by a neighbor named James M. Hendrickson, died at Ensworth Hospital at 11:00 am today [October 23rd, 1905] and the body was removed to Faris & Barber’s undertaking establishment, where an inquest will be held by Coroner Bansbach. The body will be sent to Maloy tonight.

Woodside was forty-five years old and is survived by three children. A married daughter, Mrs. W.E. Bye of Maloy, was at the bedside of her parent at the time of his death. Woodside’s wife died several years ago. Both he and Hendrickson are well known in Ringgold County (IA), and the shooting created a sensation at Blockton and Maloy.

Hendrickson is said to have believed that the affections of his wife, from whom he had become estranged, had been won by Woodside. When Hendrickson met Woodside, he was waiting for a train. Without a word, he opened fire.

Dr. E.A. King of Blockton saw that Woodside was dangerously wounded and brought him to the Ensworth Hospital the following day. The pistol ball penetrated Woodside’s right lung and the physicians held out little hope of his recovery. Soon after the shooting, Hendrickson surrendered to the sheriff and was released on bond of $1,000. Hendrickson’s wife, who is said to have since obtained a divorce from him, is now living in Lamar (CO).

Woodside, prior to his death, is said to have denied to his son-in-law and relatives that he had alienated the affections of Mrs. Hendrickson. The Sheriff of Taylor County was notified by telegraph today of Woodside’s death and it is probable that Hendrickson will be rearrested and either committed to jail or required to give a larger bond.