In 1882 a law was passed in Iowa called the "Clark Law" making Liquor illegal. The frontier city of Sioux did not take kindly to the law as they ignored it. It also turned the town from being rough straight to a lawless frontier. The town had over 75 saloons, several breweries, and gambling houses.
Many were against the law, but some were for it especially after two murders had happened in drinking establishments. There were some who wanted changes to where Sioux City would follow the law. One of these people was 56-year-old Reverend George C. Haddock.
On August 3, 1886, the Reverend was going about noting the things about liquor. That morning he was seen noting the unloading of beer from one of the brewery wagons. Fred Lerch was standing in front of his business further up the street and screamed at the Reverend that he would cut his d-d head off if he came near there.
Shortly after 10 p.m., a shot was heard on 3rd and Waters street. Reverend George Haddock had been shot and killed. The person shot him from 25 feet away. It was no secret in why he was murdered he even told someone he expected death. He was more than likely killed for his fight against liquor.
John Arensdorf was a suspect that went to trial twice. First with a hung jury and second with a not guilty. Despite there having been witnesses that night that saw John kill the Reverend. It was said that John had gone to a bar after the trial with the jurors.
Although technically unsolved it's believed that John did have something to do with
Soon after the Reverend's death liquor was completely banned from Sioux City and the businesses were moved to South Sioux City in Nebraska. But five years later Clark Law was repealed allowing liquor to be legal again.
SOURCES:
Iowa Cold Cases
SOURCES:
Iowa Cold Cases
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