On This Date in Minnesota History: October 4

*October 4, 1914 – The body of Joe Melette, a wandering semi-professional veterinary, was found lying on the Great Northern right-of-way just east of Elbo early this morning. A boy discovered Melette’s body while walking the track between Bagley and Elbo. Melette was well known by old-timers in the isolated portions of northern Minnesota. Foul play is believed to have been involved.

In Company With An Indian

Meletter was last seen Saturday evening, when in company with a mixed-blood Indian, he started from Bagley to Lengby. Both had been drinking and under the influence of liquor.

Struck on Head

Judging from the appearance of the wound found on the top of Melette’s head, he was struck either by a blunt instrument, or by an engine while lying on the track asleep. The remains were taken to Bagley by the coroner and an attempted is being made to inform relatives of the affair.

Had Large Roll of Bills

Parties who met Melette on Saturday evening believe his death to be foul play because when they saw him, he had quite a large roll of bills, and when his remains were discovered, only $1.50 in silver was found on his body. The matter is to be investigated by Clearwater county authorities.

Three in Five Years

This is the third time that remains of persons that have been killed or murdered, have been found on the Great Northern right-of-way in that locality during the past five years.

The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Robbery Motive of Bagley Murder. Body of Joe Melette Found on Tracks of Great Northern Railroad Early Sunday Morning. Mix Blood Indian Sought. Blow on Head by Blunt Instrument Believed to Have Cost Life of Wandering Veterinary Surgeon.”; Oct. 5, 1914; p. 1.