Tuesday, April 28, 2015

On This Date in Minnesota History: April 28

April 28, 1917 – Funeral services for murder victim Alice McQuillan Dunn were held today at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Portland Avenue and Victoria Street, St. Paul.  Nearly 1,500 persons, including members of her family, other relatives, friends and curiosity seekers filled the church. 



Alice McQuillan Dunn’s Funeral1


After the service, her body was taken to Calvary Cemetery for burial. Her family chose to bury her as Alice M. McQuillan, with only her death date, April 26, 1917, on the footstone. There was not a flower, a message or a representative from the Dunn family at the funeral.



Alice McQuillan’s Headstone2


Meanwhile, a committee from the local Elks called on St. Paul Police Chief John O’Connor yesterday afternoon. Dunn has excellent standing both in that organization and in the Knights of Columbus.

The Elks told O’Connor that they were “willing to pay the expenses of detectives to make a thorough investigation of this case both in St. Paul and in Montana.” J. L. Shiely, who headed the committee, said “We know Dunn so well that we cannot believe that he had anything to do with this crime.”

O’Connor told the committee it would be useless to spend any money on the case. “The police have evidence that will solve the whole mystery in a short time. Dunn cannot be released.”

O’Connor also refused to discuss rumors about Madam D and her purported testimony.

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On the other side of the river, more than 1,000 volunteers, including Boy Scouts and Minneapolis school children, joined Minneapolis police in the search for missing Patrolman George Connery. The children are searching public parks, fields and swamps within the city limits, while police, firemen and other citizens are searching the area around New Brighton and farther north.


Minneapolis Patrolman George Connery3

Mrs. Connery has hardly slept or eaten since her husband disappeared. On behalf of herself  and her five children, she has appealed to the kidnappers and probable murderers to end her and her little ones’ heart-breaking suspense by at least letting them know whether their husband and father is alive or dead.  

Also announced today, Minneapolis patrolmen have raised $50 among themselves, which they turned over to Chief Lewis Harthill as a reward to the person finding Patrolman Connery.


St. Paul Dispatch; “Murder Clue Given By ‘Madam D.’ Mysterious Woman, Said to Be Related to Slayer, but Estranged. Gives Tip to Former Move to Kill Mrs. Dunn. Husband Denied Liberty. Police Chief Tells Delegation of Elks Who Believe Spouse Innocent That Prisoner Will Be Held Unconditionally. Murder Victim Called Martyr to Christianity. Funeral Services for Mrs. Alice Dunn Conducted at St. Luke’s Catholic Church—Curiosity Seekers Numerous.”; April 28, 1917; p. 1.

St. Paul Daily News; “Children Hunt Missing Officer. Hundreds Aid in Search for Policeman Connery’s Body. Wife Can’t Eat of Sleep. Patrolman Offer Reward—Seven Suspects Are Released.”; April 28, 1917; p. 1.


1St. Paul Dispatch; April 28, 1917; p. 1.

2Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain April 26, 2015, as long as acknowledgement included.  

3http://www.mpdfederation.com/george-connery/



Disappearance of Minneapolis Patrolman George Connery; see April 24, 2015 blog


Car Connery disappeared in found in St. Paul; see April 25, 2015 blog

Murder of Alice McQuillan Dunn; see April 26, 2015 blog

St. Paul Police Chief John O’Connor tells reporters he expects to arrest a man he thinks was paid a large sum to murder Alice McQuillan Dunn.; see April 27, 2015 blog

Elks are willing to pay the expenses of detectives; believe Dunn innocent; see April 28, 2015 blog

Two St. Paul detectives are in Mont. interviewing people who knew Mrs. Dunn when she worked there; see April 29, 2015 blog

Two Montana men claim Dunn paid them to kill his wife; see May 1, 2015 blog

Dunn and Connery murders linked; see May 4, 2015 blog

Chauffeur identified photos of Joe Redenbaugh and Frank McCool as the two men he drove out of St. Paul to Chaska the night following Mrs. Dunn’s murder; see May 8,2015 blog


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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

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