HEADSTONE says father.

OBITUARY Iron River Reporter April 8 1924 "Police Still Seeking Mysterious Bandit: Zyskowski Slayer Is Still Free: Clues Few, Police Declare But Search Is Unrelenting-Man Held"
BULLETIN Both Sheriff Thad R. Waite and Prosecutor Fred F. Murphy acknowledged this morning that no tangible clues to the identity of the mysterious murderer of Zigmund Joseph Zyskowski at 8:10 Saturday night at his pool room in Iron River had come into their possession.
One man answering the description of the bandit is being held in the Iron River jail and Deputy Howard Wheeler is expected to arrive today from Green Bay with another suspect who left Iron River by train Monday morning. Sheriff Waite, aided by a member of the state constabulary, will sift two or three untried clues today but their predictions of positive results were not encouraging.
The discovery between the Howett Grocery Co. and the St. Paul trestle at noon yesterday of the red handkerchief worn as a mask by the unknown bandit, who Saturday night shot down and killed Zigmund Zyskowski during a robbery at the Hurry Back poolroom, revived for a time the hopes of officials for quick apprehension, and confirm their belief that the fugitive is still in the district.
Despite the frantic efforts of Sheriff Thad R. Waite and a squad of deputies, little valuable information had been gathered up to late last night and unless a clue now being investigated proves up, police authorities will be no further toward an explanation than since the beginning of the chase.
HOLD SUSPECTS Four suspects held in the Iron River jail over Sunday were released Monday at the order of Prosecutor Murphy. Two men answering the description of the bandit were taken into custody Monday but were later released after severe questioning. Police everywhere are keeping a close lookout and until Monday night all roads leading out of the county were patrolled.
Iron River today is slowly recovering from its pall of terror and indignation which spread lightning-like following the most dastardly crime in its history. Everywhere the shooting is still the topic of groups and crowds still await eagerly the reports of searching parties.
ZYSKOWSKI NERVY That Zyskowski was shot down with one bullet through his stomach, one through his left lung and one below the heart, while he was struggling to overpower his slayer is the belief of investigators who re-enacted the tragic drama at the scene Monday morning. An impulse to knock the gun from the bandit's hand at what he assumed a strategic moment may have caused him his life, police believe, for it was not the intent of the bandit to kill, they have concluded. In the brief and one-sided tussle the shots were fired to free himself of Zyskowski's iron grip, and to save himself from the law's penalty for his daring deed, it is agreed.
ENTERED REAR DOOR Carl Hanson, Erick Johnson, Mike Bebeau, Martin Kovacich and Zyskowski, all of Iron River, were in the rear room of the building engaged in cards when a rap was heard at the back entrance. Johnson rose and walked through a hall to the door and unlocked it, then returned. A minute lapsed before the card room door opened and a man, his face covered with a red handkerchief so that only his eyes showed, and pointing a gun, commanded:
"Stick 'em up, boys, stick 'em."
Two or three minutes passed before the bandit could impress upon the five men that he was in earnest. Coolly he told them to line up and face the south wall, hands up, and they obeyed slowly. With gun pointed, he examined their pockets for weapons. Fearful lest he was planning against him, the bandit walloped Kovacich with an improvised blackjack when he glanced at his operations. The movement was against his orders to "Keep still, don't move." Kovacich was dazed only and he stood most motionless while the bandit took a watch and $25 from his pockets.
Curiosity got the better of Johnson also and he peered to one side to see what was happening to Kovavich. Incensed at this repeated disregard of his orders, the bandit struck Johnson a heavy blow over the head. Johnson affected a fall, and rolled into an adjoining washroom, his feet protruding only.
BANDIT NERVOUS Thoroughly alarmed and apparently disconcerted, the bandit turned swiftly upon Zyskowski and commanded him to turn toward him. For an instant he gazed at the three men still standing to his other side. It was at this moment, it is thought, that Zyskowski brought down his left hand upon the wrist of the man. A brief tussle and the shots followed. Hanson and Bebeau dashed for liberty at the first shot. Hanson ran directly to the police station where he found Officer John Scott and Sheriff Waite. Waite and Hanson went immediately to the rear and Scott in the front entrance. Kovacich was still standing with his hands raised when they entered, but the bandit was gone. Zyskowski was lying on the floor prostrate and dying. Meanwhile hurriedly deputized men set out in search and all roads were blockaded. Through the night the search went on but the only clue was the blackjack, made of gravel in a cloth bag and tied to a stick, which had been discarded just outside the rear entrance.
MOTIVE ROBBERY Motive for the crime is as much a mystery as the identity of the slayer but robbery was the main intent, police still believe. Over $200 was found in Zyskowski's pockets and it is evident the bandit fled without stopping for additional spoils for fear of his apprehension. A strange fate let him escape without meeting anyone who could carry a clue to the police.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Catholic church, with the Rev. Frs. Renkowski and Lenhart of Iron River and the Rev. Father Joseph Kunes of Crystal Falls in charge.
ZYSKOWSKI WELL KNOWN Zigmund Zyskowski was a prominent business man and citizen of Iron River. He grew up in iron River and devoted his wealth and energy to its business interests, investing heavily in the Boyington Hotel building which he last year completely remodeled and renewed.
He was 43 years old on November 29, and he was born in Russian Poland. When four years old, he came with his parents to Hurley and soon after arrived in Iron River where he has since been.
He was married to Miss Laura Dembny of Iron River at St. Agnes church on December 29, 1902 by the Rev. Father James Lenhart, who is still pastor.
Eight children survive: Edward, a student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Albin, Camilla, Rufus, Rosalie, Eleanor and Dorothy. A sister Mrs. Helen Malinowski and a mother Mrs. Rosalie Zyskowski reside at Milwaukee.
He was a member of the Iron River Council Knights of Columbus, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Out of town relatives in attendance at the funeral are: Mrs. Rosalie Zyskowski, Mrs. Helen Malinowski, and children Constance, Celia and Rufus, Ludwig Malinowski, Mr. and Mrs. Gust Dembny, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kaguryzk, Mr. and Mrs. John Dembny, Mr. and Mrs. K. Lewandoski of Milwaukee, and Mrs. William Casper and son Marvin of Ishpeming; Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Malinowski of Racine, Wisconsin.

FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter April 11 1924 "Zyskowski Rites Held Wednesday: Hundreds Pay Tribute To Man Who Was 'Friendly and Charitable To All'"
Funeral services for Zigmund J. Zyskowski, who was shot down and killed at his poolroom Saturday night by an unknown assailant, were held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Catholic church. The Rev. Father Renkoski, pastor, was assisted by the Rev. Father James Lenhart, pastor of St. Agnes church of Iron River and the Rev. Father J. Kunes, pastor of the Guardian Angels church at Crystal Falls.
Tribute to the deceased man was paid by hundreds of friends and scores were turned away after the church was filled. Special music was rendered by an augmented choir.
The friendliness and charity of Mr. Zyskowski were extolled by the speakers in remarks that brought sobs from various parts of the assemblage. Tears trickled down the cheeks of Father Lenhart during his talk and at moments it was difficult for him to speak. Only a sob now and then broke the deathly hush of the gathering. A slight flurry was caused at the end of the services when a woman fainted.
The procession was long and cars retreated to side streets for parking places. The funeral was one of the largest held in Iron River in many months.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter April 11 1924 “Still No Clues To Zyskowski Killer: Police Explode Theories Advanced And Hint At Discouragement”
Clues to the slayer of Zigmund Zyskowski at his pool room in Iron River Saturday night were still missing today and authorities turned their attention to bringing Trooper Burnham of the Negaunee state detachment to devote his time in connecting what evidence has been collected.
What cases were investigated by police during the week proved worthless, and after almost a week’s time practically no progress has been made in the work of identifying the killer.
HOLD BENNETTS Albert Bennetts, 22, Iron River youth suspected by police because of statements alleged to have been made, was released Monday after a grilling by both Sheriff Thad R. Waite and Prosecutor Fred F. Murphy. Bennetts was first taken into custody Sunday but was later released by Sherifff Waite. Reports which led the sheriff to believe Bennetts may be the man caused him to wire Green Bay officials early Monday to hold him. Bennetts, enroute to Chicago, was taken in charge by Green Bay police and returned to Iron River by Deputy Howard Wheeler, but he gave satisfactory proof that he was at the Recreation billiard hall when the shooting took place.
Bennetts answered in many ways the description of the bandit given by the men in the room when the holdup was perpetrated. He was about the same height and weight, but his voice was higher pitched, the men claimed. After severe questioning, however, both Prosecutor Murphy and Sheriff Waite were certain he was not the man they were seeking.
EXAMINE MASK The only hope of officials now rests with the red handkerchief used as a mask by the bandit, and the sand bag which he discarded outside the pool room door as he escaped. An examination of the dust in the handkerchief by a chemist may lead to a knowledge of the occupation of the bandit, it was said, and some trace may be made of the materials with which the sand bag was made.
Deputies sent out in search have been unsuccessful in finding other traces of discarded clothing, the gun used in the killing, or the watch taken from Martin Kovacich. The handkerchief was discarded intentionally by the bandit to allay any suspicion that might be attached to him, it is thought, and it was not deemed unlikely that he threw away the watch to prevent identification, should he be held under suspicion.
Finger print experts have been unable to secure prints of the slayer but they are still engaged on the case, Prosecutor Murphy said last night.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter June 6 1924 "Man Held For Zyskowski Slaying In Court: Percy Cummings, Stopped At San Francisco With U.S. Army, Returned Here"
Evidence of an incriminating nature will be presented against Percy Cummings in a justice court hearing this afternoon. Upon the weight of the evidence will depend whether he will be held for trial for the murder of Zigmund Zyskowski of Iron River on the night of April 5 or whether he will be released to join the U. S. army forces in the Philippines, where his company is now stationed.
Threads of evidence gathered slowly but carefully by Trooper Burnham of the State Police while tracing Cummings to Panama and then to San Francisco where he was held by authorities on charges of the State of Michigan may be sufficient to hold him, and then again they may not. If not, the only immediate hope of finding the Zyskowski slayer will have vanished, and the police must begin the apparently hopeless task of picking up new clues.
NOW IN JAIL Under guard, Cummings was placed in the village jail last night after being brought from Marquette where he had been held since Sunday awaiting the date for his hearing here. On June 1 he arrived at Marquette with Trooper Burnham from San Francisco. At Golden gate harbor he was taken from a Philippine bound liner. A message to Panama missed the liner by a day or he would have been put ashore at that point to be returned to Iron River.
Cummings joined the army forces at Escanaba sometime in March and was stationed in turn at Fort Sheridan, Ill. and Fort Slogan, New York. He was ordered with a large detachment to do foreign service in the Philippines and went aboard at New York. It was enroute from New York to San Francisco that Trooper Burnham was hot upon his trail.
EXPENSE WARRANTED The expense of bringing Cummings to Iron River was not incurred without forethought. There are one or more things leading to suspicion that he must clear before the minds of officials will be convinced he is not the man wanted. It is known Cummings was not with his company from the eve of April 4 to the morning of April 7. Where he was not even "the colonel to the bathhouse tender" could tell, Trooper Burnham declares. Cummings, too, knows the interior decorations of the prison cell, for he served a term in 1891, it is claimed, for larceny. His record is on the state files at Lansing.
He explains his connection with the suit found in the swamp adjoining the C. & N. W. Ry. By relating how some unknown person stole that from the waiting room of the station while he went uptown "to look for a job". That was back in December, 1923, the first and only time he adds that he visited Iron River. Investigation was disclosed that he worked for Charles Sunn in December for only two days. Where he had been from then to the time he joined the Army has not been accounted for.
SOCKS IDENTICAL Clever detective work on the part of Trooper Burnham has practically proved that the sock wrapped about an improvised black jack and used by the bandit in the death room is of the same texture, quality, and material as the lone sock found in the clothing hidden in the swamp, where letters addressed to Cummings and also his picture were strewn about. Chemists have been called into the investigation and their secret reports may throw additional suspicion on him. Still, Trooper Burnham points out, nearly all the evidence so far gathered is circumstantial, and may not prove him Zyskowski slayer. Matters highly complicated must be cleared first.
The delay in bringing Cummings to Iron River is accounted for by the fact that it took considerable time for the trip from New York to San Francisco and then from San Francisco to Iron River.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 30 1924 "Pal Bares Story of Shooting For Reward Offered: Axel Nygard, of Stambaugh, Held As Zyskowski Suspect On Friend's Story"
Acting on what he regards a positive clue to the slayer of Zigmund Zyskowski in his pool room in Iron River on the night of April 5, 1924, Chief of Police Cy Sensiba has jailed Axel Nygard of Stambaugh, who is believed to be the major character in a plot conceived by three men to hold up and rob the gambling rooms of the Zyskowski pool rooms.
With him is being detained Jack Bergquist, also of Stambaugh, suspected of being an accomplice and owner of the gun which Nygard is believed to have used in shooting Zyskowski to death. A search for the third member is on outside the district.
The confession of Alfred Engstrom, pal of Nygard's in whom the latter is said to have confided his deed, and which is on file in the office of Attorney A.J. Waffen, acting for prosecutor Fred F. Murphy, who is out of town, provided the information on which Chief Sensiba based his complaint.
The confession contains a complete story of the deed, from its conception to the escape of the slayer, as told by Nygard to the chum who slept with him and palled with him for nearly seven months.
CHARGE CONSPIRACY On Engstrom's story the state will attempt to hold Nygard and Bergquist and to prove that Zyskowski came to his death through a criminal conspiracy conceived by them and a third member.
Engstrom's tale was prompted by a desire for the $500 reward being offered by the county and also by a fear that his life was in danger, according to officials.
He first told the story to E.L. Nasser, whom he considered a friend, and the two later reported to Chief Sensiba in the police booth.
"This man knows who killed ‘Zig' Zyskowski," Nasser said to the chief in an excited voice.
Chief Sensiba at once called Prosecutor Murphy's office but he was out of town. He then called Attorney A.J. Waffen, prosecutor-elect who will take office this week. Waffen instructed the party to come to his office.
It was in Waffen's office that Engstrom re-told the story he claims Nygard told him over and over again as they lay in bed nights. The story was written as it was being told, and Engstrom signed it as the truth.
In answer to how Nygard happened to confide in him, Engstrom said they were good pals, and that the first part of the story was told him while Nygard was drunk. On other nights as they lay in bed, Nygard bit by bit told the story until it was complete, he said.
Axel Nygard, Jack Bergquist and a third unnamed person plotted to hold up the Zyskowski card rooms where they had lost considerable sums, the tale ran. The details of the act were worked out. Saturday night was picked because of the usual crowd on the streets, and enhanced chances for their escape. There was no intention of murder.
The three approached the rear of the Zyskowski building, where Bergquist and the third companion lost heart, it is alleged. Nygard is said to have called the two cowards, and to have taken the gun from Bergquist, masked and entered the building. The two remaining outside left.
Nygard rapped on the door and one of the five men in the card room unlocked the door and returned to the room. Nygard entered and commanded all to raise their hands. After some persuasion, they did and he lined them against the wall. Two he struck over the head with an improvised black jack for observing his movements. One rolled through an open door into an adjoining bathroom, and nearly out of sight. Fearing this man was armed, Nygard warned the others not to move, and beat over to search the man on the floor. In so, his handkerchief, used as a mask, flapped up slightly, and Zyskowski, who was standing near him, identified him.
"I've got your number, Finlander," Zyskowski is alleged to have said, and moved to grab him. The bandit fired four times, thrice hitting Zyskowski.
The escape was affected by jumping over the high fence at the rear of the Zyskowski lot and dashing back of the Boyington livery, past Flannagan's residence to the alley back of Harding's greenhouse. Here he discarded his mask, which he had forgotten was still over his face, and threw away his gun. He walked to the intersection of First street, turned north, and came to Genesee street, and then walked into the Cozy theatre. In going to his home at Stambaugh later, he took a round about course past the Hiawatha location.
Although a member of his gang was arrested and held under suspicion the day after the killing, no suspicion was attached to Nygard said Engstrom's story.
The arrest of Nygard was made Saturday night by Chief Sensiba and Under Sheriff John Omillian at J. Erickson's, Nygard's rooming house in Stambaugh. The party answering the door said Nygard was not in but Chief Sensiba entered and after a search found Nygard concealed in a hall. Nygard was questioned about his name only and has not been questioned since his arrest. He has been told nothing of Engstrom's story.
Bergquist was given a long grilling yesterday afternoon in the office of Attorney Waffen.
Officials are certain the story is truthful for the events concur with what happened on the night of the shooting. Nygard will probably be arraigned today and charged with murder on complaint of Chief Sensiba.
Both Nygard and Bergquist are unmarried men less than 20 years of age. They are of Swedish Finnish extraction, and have lived at Stambaugh for some time.

NEWS ARTICLES Iron River Reporter May 22 1925 May 26 1925 May 29 1925 Axel Nygard sentenced to life in prison for slaying Zigmund Zyskowski.

NEWS ARTICLE concerning murder Jan 2 1925 Jan 9 1925 Jan 30 1925.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Aug 18 1925 "Argue Motion For New Trial For Axel Nygard At Marquette Term of Court, Perhaps Aug."
Dates for the argument of a new trial for Axel Nygard, convicted of the murder of Zygmund Zyskowski of Iron River on April 5, 1924 and sentenced to life imprisonment at Marquette branch prison, have been postponed due to the illness of both Nygard and his counsel, Attorney F. Dixon, but probably will be heard at Marquette on August 31.
A motion for a new trial was filed by Attorney Dixon and the dates of argument will be agreed on by J. Waffen, prosecuting attorney, and Mr. Dixon.
Nygard was convicted of first degree murder on evidence largely circumstantial and developments later pointed to a possibility of error.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 26 1923 “Old Boyington Is Zyskowski Now”
No longer the shabby, old-fashioned structure of a year ago, the former Boyington Hotel, recently christened the Zyskowski Block, made its debut to the public in its new stucco dress last week.
The building was completely renovated, both exterior and interior, by Zigmund Zyskowski, new owner, and brought back into fashion’s latest creation in building modes. The improvement is the most marked of many made on Genesee street this year. Workmen were engaged for several months in modernizing the building, long famed in Iron River history as the hospitable Boyington House. When a lease held by C.A. Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn, expires, Mr. Zyskowski plans to open modern furnished rooms to the transient public.

NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Feb 23 1923 “Zyskowski Buys Boyington Hotel: E.J. VanOrum Closes Deal On Wednesday-$21,000 Is Consideration Involved”
The Boyington hotel, one of the oldest land marks in Iron River village, became the property of Zygmund Zyskowski on Wednesday who consummated negotiations with E.J. VanOrnum for its transfer. This famed, old building, somewhat out of style and dilapidated because of its years of service, brought to the owners the respectable sum of $21,000.
Not many times more will politicians and others who have messages to broadcast stand on the balcony floor and address the townspeople below. They must soon seek other and perhaps less advantageous quarters. For plans are already being made for its improvement.
An addition to the rear which will utilize the valuable acreage now unused, a glistening billiard parlor where the McQuiggin store now is, bowling alleys in the basement, and later modern rooms upstairs with a cafeteria below are but part of the plans which Mr. Zyskowski has announced. A stately front, too, will rise to the roof, replacing the balcony and restoring to the building its original dignity, long disdained by the ornamentation of adjacent structures.
DO WORK IN SPRING Most of this work will be done in the spring and summer, Mr. Zyskowski reports. The walls will be brick veneered making the building practically fireproof. The basement will be excavated and an addition constructed to the rear. The arrangement of the first floor will be altered to permit larger space for a billiard parlor which will extend from the front to the very end of the new addition. Slight changes also will be made in the Joe Harris and VanBuren studio compartments for more modern store facilities.
REPAIR ROOMS Improvement of the rooms in the Boyington will not be made until a lease held by C.A. Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn, expires. When this part of the building is surrendered to Mr. Zyskowski, he will immediately begin extensive improvements. The rooms will be redecorated, baths installed and heated. They will then be held for rent to the traveling public or to roomers.
“I propose to make the Boyington corner one of the most attractive and best illuminated centers in the village,” Mr. Zyskowski said yesterday. “For years this corner has been dark and unattractive. The building should have been improved long ago.”

1920 US CENSUS for Iron River Michigan shows Zigman Zyskowski head age 39 born abt 1881 Poland married immigrated 1885. Laura A. wife age 37 born abt 1883 Wisconsin. Edward son age 16 born abt 1904 Michigan. Albin son age 15 born abt 1905 Michigan. Camilla daughter age 13 born abt 1907 Michigan. Ruffus son age 11 born abt 1909 Michigan. Louis son age 8 born abt 1912 Michigan. Eleanor daughter age 6 born abt 1914 Michigan. Dorothy daughter age 3 born abt 1917 Michigan. Rosalie daughter age 1 born abt 1919 Michigan.

YEARBOOK Iron River High School 1917 lists him as Trustee on the Board of Education.

INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE grandson Ramon Bisque has written a book about Zygmunt's murder called Iron: A River, a Town, a County, a Mine, a Family. See the website at www.bisque.com/iron.

INFORMATION FROM RELATIVE Mary Shearer ([email protected]) whose husband is Zygmunt's great-grandson.