OBITUARY Iron River Reporter July 22 1947 "Sanity Test For Godfrey As Axe Killer Awaited"
Iron county authorities today indicated a sanity test would be arranged for Joseph Godfrey, 27, Riverside addition veteran of five army campaigns in the European theater during World War II who is in the county jail, charged with the fatal axe-assault upon his neighbor, Jacob Gustafson, 74, Friday [July 18] afternoon.
The attack occurred at 2 p.m. Friday while horrified neighbors looked on. Police Chief Edward Sandri said when he arrested Godfrey and asked the young man if he realized his action was probably murder, Godfrey responded; "Oh, I've killed lots of men!"
MURDER CHARGE FILED One-half hour after Gustafson's death Saturday, Godfrey was bound over for trial in the August 18 term of Iron county circuit court on a charge of murder in the first degree. He was brought before Justice Anton Genetski in Iron River court and advised of his constitutional rights by Prosecutor F. Lloyd Symmonds. Waiving preliminary examination, Godfrey was taken to the county jail where he is confined without bail.
In accordance with statute, Godfrey will be examined by three state psychiatrists at some time during the next four weeks. State law requires this examination for all persons charged with first degree murder. It is probable he will be taken to Newberry state mental hospital where staff psychiatrists will conduct the examination.
If they indicate the possibility of insanity, the recommendation that Godfrey be given a sanity test will be made when the young man is arraigned August 18 before Judge Frank A. Bell and the court will so order.
CHOPPED FENCE POSTS Godfrey was held without charge in the Iron River city jail while his victim lingered in an unconscious condition at Stambaugh General Hospital for 25 hours. Gustafson died at 3 p.m. Saturday [July 19].
The police chief said Godfrey took a double-bitted woodsman's axe shortly after lunch Friday noon and began to chop down posts of the fence which connects the adjoining Godfrey and Gustafson properties at 122-124 E Maple street. The fence had been a subject of some argument and controversy in recent months, neighbors said.
Gustafson, a widower with an artifical right arm, sat in a window of his upstairs apartment next door and looked down at Godfrey as he cut down three posts in rapid succession. Mrs. Earl Hodges whose family occupies the first floor apartment in Gustafson's home looked up at her landlord quizzically. The elderly man waved his hand in a circle around his ear, indicating to Mrs. Hodges on the lawn below that he realized the young veteran of European battles was not acting normally.
SWUNG AXE Gustafson then came outside and walked over to the young man, saying "Joe, let's dig these posts out. Here, I'll get a shovel."
As the man turned his back and walked away toward a rear shed, Godfrey suddenly swung the axe at Gustafson, sinking it into his left shoulderblade. The elderly man, felled by the impact, pleaded with Godfrey not to strike him again. Witnesses said Godfrey apparently in the grip of a savage spell, kicked the old man in the face and cursed him. With difficulty, the former infantryman extracted the axe and then swung it high again, this time splitting the old man's skull in a wide deep cleavage at the left rear.
Police chief Sandri, summoned by neighbors, found Godfrey standing calmly nearby. The youth had placed a defective revolver in the elderly man's hat which lay near the victim. Godfrey admitted the gun was his but added that "it doesn't work". Sandri took Godfrey, the axe and gun, to the city hall police station.
Among the witnesses whom police questioned were Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Westerdahl, neighbors. The Godfrey family resides in the enormous old four-story structure formerly the Phoenix boarding house.
RITES TODAY Funeral services for Gustafson will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Stambaugh Funeral home and at 2 p.m. at the Finnish Ev. Lutheran church in Stambaugh with Rev. Pentti Palonen officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven cemetery.
Pallbearers at the services today will be William Wehvila, Charles Raatikainen, Earl Hodges, John Viita, Victor Pakka and Matt Jacobson, all neighbors and friends.
Mr. Gustafson was born in Finland in September, 1872. He came here as a young man. Mrs. Gustafson died 16 years ago. Surviving are three sons and three daughters. They are: Rudolph and Ray Gustafson, Iron River, and Uno Viitala, Clarksburg, Mich.; Mrs. Vernon Cole, Atchison, Kas., Mrs. Frank Kaslin, Iron River, and Mrs. John Tienveri, New York City. He also leaves 12 grandchildren.
Mr. Gustafson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Matt Rautio of Mahtowa, Minn., and Mrs. Matt Kero, Palmer, Mich., and a brother, John Takala, Ontonagon.
Mr. Gustafson was born Sept. 19, 1872 in Nurmo, Finland and came to this country in 1897 as a young man of 25, settling in Marquette county. He worked for many years in mines in Champion, Ishpeming, and Diorite, and lost his right arm in a Champion mine accident 45 years ago. He came to Iron River in 1925. Mrs. Gustafson died here in 1938 [1931].
MICHIGAN DEATH CERTIFICATES 1921-1952 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson born Sep 19 1872 Finland; died July 19 1947 Stambaugh age 74 widowed father Gust Takala.
MICHIGAN MARRIAGES 1868-1925 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson age 35 born 1873 Finland married to Hannah Elgland [Ecklund] age 36 born 1872 Finland on April 2 1908 in Champion MI. Parents Kustas & Kaila Gustafson; Lauri & Marja Elgland.
OBITUARY of Hannah Gustafson 1931 (buried Iron River) says Jacob Gustafson of 124 Maple Street in Iron River is her husband.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Amy Lowell of White Lake Township NW of Detroit (great-niece) says born in Finland with Finnish name being Jaakko Takala. Jacob was her maternal grandfather's brother who came to America a year later. Another brother, Kustaa, came to America three times to earn some money because times were so hard in Finland. Each time he returned to Finland because he missed his family.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Gale Gustafson Cerney says he was her step-great-grandfather. Her family name is Gustafson so he must have been an integral part of their family.
Iron county authorities today indicated a sanity test would be arranged for Joseph Godfrey, 27, Riverside addition veteran of five army campaigns in the European theater during World War II who is in the county jail, charged with the fatal axe-assault upon his neighbor, Jacob Gustafson, 74, Friday [July 18] afternoon.
The attack occurred at 2 p.m. Friday while horrified neighbors looked on. Police Chief Edward Sandri said when he arrested Godfrey and asked the young man if he realized his action was probably murder, Godfrey responded; "Oh, I've killed lots of men!"
MURDER CHARGE FILED One-half hour after Gustafson's death Saturday, Godfrey was bound over for trial in the August 18 term of Iron county circuit court on a charge of murder in the first degree. He was brought before Justice Anton Genetski in Iron River court and advised of his constitutional rights by Prosecutor F. Lloyd Symmonds. Waiving preliminary examination, Godfrey was taken to the county jail where he is confined without bail.
In accordance with statute, Godfrey will be examined by three state psychiatrists at some time during the next four weeks. State law requires this examination for all persons charged with first degree murder. It is probable he will be taken to Newberry state mental hospital where staff psychiatrists will conduct the examination.
If they indicate the possibility of insanity, the recommendation that Godfrey be given a sanity test will be made when the young man is arraigned August 18 before Judge Frank A. Bell and the court will so order.
CHOPPED FENCE POSTS Godfrey was held without charge in the Iron River city jail while his victim lingered in an unconscious condition at Stambaugh General Hospital for 25 hours. Gustafson died at 3 p.m. Saturday [July 19].
The police chief said Godfrey took a double-bitted woodsman's axe shortly after lunch Friday noon and began to chop down posts of the fence which connects the adjoining Godfrey and Gustafson properties at 122-124 E Maple street. The fence had been a subject of some argument and controversy in recent months, neighbors said.
Gustafson, a widower with an artifical right arm, sat in a window of his upstairs apartment next door and looked down at Godfrey as he cut down three posts in rapid succession. Mrs. Earl Hodges whose family occupies the first floor apartment in Gustafson's home looked up at her landlord quizzically. The elderly man waved his hand in a circle around his ear, indicating to Mrs. Hodges on the lawn below that he realized the young veteran of European battles was not acting normally.
SWUNG AXE Gustafson then came outside and walked over to the young man, saying "Joe, let's dig these posts out. Here, I'll get a shovel."
As the man turned his back and walked away toward a rear shed, Godfrey suddenly swung the axe at Gustafson, sinking it into his left shoulderblade. The elderly man, felled by the impact, pleaded with Godfrey not to strike him again. Witnesses said Godfrey apparently in the grip of a savage spell, kicked the old man in the face and cursed him. With difficulty, the former infantryman extracted the axe and then swung it high again, this time splitting the old man's skull in a wide deep cleavage at the left rear.
Police chief Sandri, summoned by neighbors, found Godfrey standing calmly nearby. The youth had placed a defective revolver in the elderly man's hat which lay near the victim. Godfrey admitted the gun was his but added that "it doesn't work". Sandri took Godfrey, the axe and gun, to the city hall police station.
Among the witnesses whom police questioned were Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Westerdahl, neighbors. The Godfrey family resides in the enormous old four-story structure formerly the Phoenix boarding house.
RITES TODAY Funeral services for Gustafson will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Stambaugh Funeral home and at 2 p.m. at the Finnish Ev. Lutheran church in Stambaugh with Rev. Pentti Palonen officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven cemetery.
Pallbearers at the services today will be William Wehvila, Charles Raatikainen, Earl Hodges, John Viita, Victor Pakka and Matt Jacobson, all neighbors and friends.
Mr. Gustafson was born in Finland in September, 1872. He came here as a young man. Mrs. Gustafson died 16 years ago. Surviving are three sons and three daughters. They are: Rudolph and Ray Gustafson, Iron River, and Uno Viitala, Clarksburg, Mich.; Mrs. Vernon Cole, Atchison, Kas., Mrs. Frank Kaslin, Iron River, and Mrs. John Tienveri, New York City. He also leaves 12 grandchildren.
Mr. Gustafson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Matt Rautio of Mahtowa, Minn., and Mrs. Matt Kero, Palmer, Mich., and a brother, John Takala, Ontonagon.
Mr. Gustafson was born Sept. 19, 1872 in Nurmo, Finland and came to this country in 1897 as a young man of 25, settling in Marquette county. He worked for many years in mines in Champion, Ishpeming, and Diorite, and lost his right arm in a Champion mine accident 45 years ago. He came to Iron River in 1925. Mrs. Gustafson died here in 1938 [1931].
MICHIGAN DEATH CERTIFICATES 1921-1952 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson born Sep 19 1872 Finland; died July 19 1947 Stambaugh age 74 widowed father Gust Takala.
MICHIGAN MARRIAGES 1868-1925 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson age 35 born 1873 Finland married to Hannah Elgland [Ecklund] age 36 born 1872 Finland on April 2 1908 in Champion MI. Parents Kustas & Kaila Gustafson; Lauri & Marja Elgland.
OBITUARY of Hannah Gustafson 1931 (buried Iron River) says Jacob Gustafson of 124 Maple Street in Iron River is her husband.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Amy Lowell of White Lake Township NW of Detroit (great-niece) says born in Finland with Finnish name being Jaakko Takala. Jacob was her maternal grandfather's brother who came to America a year later. Another brother, Kustaa, came to America three times to earn some money because times were so hard in Finland. Each time he returned to Finland because he missed his family.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Gale Gustafson Cerney says he was her step-great-grandfather. Her family name is Gustafson so he must have been an integral part of their family.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter July 22 1947 "Sanity Test For Godfrey As Axe Killer Awaited"
Iron county authorities today indicated a sanity test would be arranged for Joseph Godfrey, 27, Riverside addition veteran of five army campaigns in the European theater during World War II who is in the county jail, charged with the fatal axe-assault upon his neighbor, Jacob Gustafson, 74, Friday [July 18] afternoon.
The attack occurred at 2 p.m. Friday while horrified neighbors looked on. Police Chief Edward Sandri said when he arrested Godfrey and asked the young man if he realized his action was probably murder, Godfrey responded; "Oh, I've killed lots of men!"
MURDER CHARGE FILED One-half hour after Gustafson's death Saturday, Godfrey was bound over for trial in the August 18 term of Iron county circuit court on a charge of murder in the first degree. He was brought before Justice Anton Genetski in Iron River court and advised of his constitutional rights by Prosecutor F. Lloyd Symmonds. Waiving preliminary examination, Godfrey was taken to the county jail where he is confined without bail.
In accordance with statute, Godfrey will be examined by three state psychiatrists at some time during the next four weeks. State law requires this examination for all persons charged with first degree murder. It is probable he will be taken to Newberry state mental hospital where staff psychiatrists will conduct the examination.
If they indicate the possibility of insanity, the recommendation that Godfrey be given a sanity test will be made when the young man is arraigned August 18 before Judge Frank A. Bell and the court will so order.
CHOPPED FENCE POSTS Godfrey was held without charge in the Iron River city jail while his victim lingered in an unconscious condition at Stambaugh General Hospital for 25 hours. Gustafson died at 3 p.m. Saturday [July 19].
The police chief said Godfrey took a double-bitted woodsman's axe shortly after lunch Friday noon and began to chop down posts of the fence which connects the adjoining Godfrey and Gustafson properties at 122-124 E Maple street. The fence had been a subject of some argument and controversy in recent months, neighbors said.
Gustafson, a widower with an artifical right arm, sat in a window of his upstairs apartment next door and looked down at Godfrey as he cut down three posts in rapid succession. Mrs. Earl Hodges whose family occupies the first floor apartment in Gustafson's home looked up at her landlord quizzically. The elderly man waved his hand in a circle around his ear, indicating to Mrs. Hodges on the lawn below that he realized the young veteran of European battles was not acting normally.
SWUNG AXE Gustafson then came outside and walked over to the young man, saying "Joe, let's dig these posts out. Here, I'll get a shovel."
As the man turned his back and walked away toward a rear shed, Godfrey suddenly swung the axe at Gustafson, sinking it into his left shoulderblade. The elderly man, felled by the impact, pleaded with Godfrey not to strike him again. Witnesses said Godfrey apparently in the grip of a savage spell, kicked the old man in the face and cursed him. With difficulty, the former infantryman extracted the axe and then swung it high again, this time splitting the old man's skull in a wide deep cleavage at the left rear.
Police chief Sandri, summoned by neighbors, found Godfrey standing calmly nearby. The youth had placed a defective revolver in the elderly man's hat which lay near the victim. Godfrey admitted the gun was his but added that "it doesn't work". Sandri took Godfrey, the axe and gun, to the city hall police station.
Among the witnesses whom police questioned were Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Westerdahl, neighbors. The Godfrey family resides in the enormous old four-story structure formerly the Phoenix boarding house.
RITES TODAY Funeral services for Gustafson will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Stambaugh Funeral home and at 2 p.m. at the Finnish Ev. Lutheran church in Stambaugh with Rev. Pentti Palonen officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven cemetery.
Pallbearers at the services today will be William Wehvila, Charles Raatikainen, Earl Hodges, John Viita, Victor Pakka and Matt Jacobson, all neighbors and friends.
Mr. Gustafson was born in Finland in September, 1872. He came here as a young man. Mrs. Gustafson died 16 years ago. Surviving are three sons and three daughters. They are: Rudolph and Ray Gustafson, Iron River, and Uno Viitala, Clarksburg, Mich.; Mrs. Vernon Cole, Atchison, Kas., Mrs. Frank Kaslin, Iron River, and Mrs. John Tienveri, New York City. He also leaves 12 grandchildren.
Mr. Gustafson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Matt Rautio of Mahtowa, Minn., and Mrs. Matt Kero, Palmer, Mich., and a brother, John Takala, Ontonagon.
Mr. Gustafson was born Sept. 19, 1872 in Nurmo, Finland and came to this country in 1897 as a young man of 25, settling in Marquette county. He worked for many years in mines in Champion, Ishpeming, and Diorite, and lost his right arm in a Champion mine accident 45 years ago. He came to Iron River in 1925. Mrs. Gustafson died here in 1938 [1931].
MICHIGAN DEATH CERTIFICATES 1921-1952 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson born Sep 19 1872 Finland; died July 19 1947 Stambaugh age 74 widowed father Gust Takala.
MICHIGAN MARRIAGES 1868-1925 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson age 35 born 1873 Finland married to Hannah Elgland [Ecklund] age 36 born 1872 Finland on April 2 1908 in Champion MI. Parents Kustas & Kaila Gustafson; Lauri & Marja Elgland.
OBITUARY of Hannah Gustafson 1931 (buried Iron River) says Jacob Gustafson of 124 Maple Street in Iron River is her husband.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Amy Lowell of White Lake Township NW of Detroit (great-niece) says born in Finland with Finnish name being Jaakko Takala. Jacob was her maternal grandfather's brother who came to America a year later. Another brother, Kustaa, came to America three times to earn some money because times were so hard in Finland. Each time he returned to Finland because he missed his family.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Gale Gustafson Cerney says he was her step-great-grandfather. Her family name is Gustafson so he must have been an integral part of their family.
Iron county authorities today indicated a sanity test would be arranged for Joseph Godfrey, 27, Riverside addition veteran of five army campaigns in the European theater during World War II who is in the county jail, charged with the fatal axe-assault upon his neighbor, Jacob Gustafson, 74, Friday [July 18] afternoon.
The attack occurred at 2 p.m. Friday while horrified neighbors looked on. Police Chief Edward Sandri said when he arrested Godfrey and asked the young man if he realized his action was probably murder, Godfrey responded; "Oh, I've killed lots of men!"
MURDER CHARGE FILED One-half hour after Gustafson's death Saturday, Godfrey was bound over for trial in the August 18 term of Iron county circuit court on a charge of murder in the first degree. He was brought before Justice Anton Genetski in Iron River court and advised of his constitutional rights by Prosecutor F. Lloyd Symmonds. Waiving preliminary examination, Godfrey was taken to the county jail where he is confined without bail.
In accordance with statute, Godfrey will be examined by three state psychiatrists at some time during the next four weeks. State law requires this examination for all persons charged with first degree murder. It is probable he will be taken to Newberry state mental hospital where staff psychiatrists will conduct the examination.
If they indicate the possibility of insanity, the recommendation that Godfrey be given a sanity test will be made when the young man is arraigned August 18 before Judge Frank A. Bell and the court will so order.
CHOPPED FENCE POSTS Godfrey was held without charge in the Iron River city jail while his victim lingered in an unconscious condition at Stambaugh General Hospital for 25 hours. Gustafson died at 3 p.m. Saturday [July 19].
The police chief said Godfrey took a double-bitted woodsman's axe shortly after lunch Friday noon and began to chop down posts of the fence which connects the adjoining Godfrey and Gustafson properties at 122-124 E Maple street. The fence had been a subject of some argument and controversy in recent months, neighbors said.
Gustafson, a widower with an artifical right arm, sat in a window of his upstairs apartment next door and looked down at Godfrey as he cut down three posts in rapid succession. Mrs. Earl Hodges whose family occupies the first floor apartment in Gustafson's home looked up at her landlord quizzically. The elderly man waved his hand in a circle around his ear, indicating to Mrs. Hodges on the lawn below that he realized the young veteran of European battles was not acting normally.
SWUNG AXE Gustafson then came outside and walked over to the young man, saying "Joe, let's dig these posts out. Here, I'll get a shovel."
As the man turned his back and walked away toward a rear shed, Godfrey suddenly swung the axe at Gustafson, sinking it into his left shoulderblade. The elderly man, felled by the impact, pleaded with Godfrey not to strike him again. Witnesses said Godfrey apparently in the grip of a savage spell, kicked the old man in the face and cursed him. With difficulty, the former infantryman extracted the axe and then swung it high again, this time splitting the old man's skull in a wide deep cleavage at the left rear.
Police chief Sandri, summoned by neighbors, found Godfrey standing calmly nearby. The youth had placed a defective revolver in the elderly man's hat which lay near the victim. Godfrey admitted the gun was his but added that "it doesn't work". Sandri took Godfrey, the axe and gun, to the city hall police station.
Among the witnesses whom police questioned were Mrs. Hodges and Mrs. Westerdahl, neighbors. The Godfrey family resides in the enormous old four-story structure formerly the Phoenix boarding house.
RITES TODAY Funeral services for Gustafson will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Stambaugh Funeral home and at 2 p.m. at the Finnish Ev. Lutheran church in Stambaugh with Rev. Pentti Palonen officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven cemetery.
Pallbearers at the services today will be William Wehvila, Charles Raatikainen, Earl Hodges, John Viita, Victor Pakka and Matt Jacobson, all neighbors and friends.
Mr. Gustafson was born in Finland in September, 1872. He came here as a young man. Mrs. Gustafson died 16 years ago. Surviving are three sons and three daughters. They are: Rudolph and Ray Gustafson, Iron River, and Uno Viitala, Clarksburg, Mich.; Mrs. Vernon Cole, Atchison, Kas., Mrs. Frank Kaslin, Iron River, and Mrs. John Tienveri, New York City. He also leaves 12 grandchildren.
Mr. Gustafson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Matt Rautio of Mahtowa, Minn., and Mrs. Matt Kero, Palmer, Mich., and a brother, John Takala, Ontonagon.
Mr. Gustafson was born Sept. 19, 1872 in Nurmo, Finland and came to this country in 1897 as a young man of 25, settling in Marquette county. He worked for many years in mines in Champion, Ishpeming, and Diorite, and lost his right arm in a Champion mine accident 45 years ago. He came to Iron River in 1925. Mrs. Gustafson died here in 1938 [1931].
MICHIGAN DEATH CERTIFICATES 1921-1952 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson born Sep 19 1872 Finland; died July 19 1947 Stambaugh age 74 widowed father Gust Takala.
MICHIGAN MARRIAGES 1868-1925 at familysearch.org shows Jacob Gustafson age 35 born 1873 Finland married to Hannah Elgland [Ecklund] age 36 born 1872 Finland on April 2 1908 in Champion MI. Parents Kustas & Kaila Gustafson; Lauri & Marja Elgland.
OBITUARY of Hannah Gustafson 1931 (buried Iron River) says Jacob Gustafson of 124 Maple Street in Iron River is her husband.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Amy Lowell of White Lake Township NW of Detroit (great-niece) says born in Finland with Finnish name being Jaakko Takala. Jacob was her maternal grandfather's brother who came to America a year later. Another brother, Kustaa, came to America three times to earn some money because times were so hard in Finland. Each time he returned to Finland because he missed his family.
INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Gale Gustafson Cerney says he was her step-great-grandfather. Her family name is Gustafson so he must have been an integral part of their family.
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