Rockman Peter02

Waupaca Record Leader

December 15, 1910

PETER ROCKMAN MAY BE PARDONED

HAS SPENT NEARLY FIVE YEARS IN THE STATE PRISON

Was Sentenced to Life Imprisonment At Trial Held In This City

For Murder of Kickapoo Shopadoc

An effort is being made by Earl P. Finch of Oshkosh to obtain a pardon for Peter Rockman. It will be remembered that Rockman was the Indian sentenced to life imprisonment at Waupun in May, 1906, for the murder of Kickapoo Shopadoc.

The trial took place in this city and created more than ordinary interest as all the parties connected with the affair were Indians.

In May, 1903, Kickapoo Shopadoc, who lived near Wittenburg, was murdered and several ponies were stolen as well as $1,000 in money, 100 yards of real wampum, which is considered very valuable, 300 yards of beadwork necklaces, fifty pair beaded leggings, twenty silver bracelets, earrings, rings and other valuables, highly prized by the Indians. John and Shewan Shopadoc, brothers of the murdered man, traced the suspected murderer to Nebraska and obtained sufficient evidence to cause the arrest almost two years later of Peter Rockman, Sam Blowsnake, Frank Hopinkah and Jake Pettibone. They were brought to this city and placed in the county jail where they were confined several months before their trial.

The only Indian convicted was Rockman, who has already served almost five years.

An official notice for the application of the pardon which will be made to Governor Davidson is published in this issue of the Record.