The Hossack Case

William Hunter (Prison Warden)

William Hunter was born in Ohio in 1845. A Civil War veteran and a graduate of Grinnell College, Hunter was appointed to the position of warden of the Anamosa State Penitentiary in 1898. He served in that capacity until his death in 1906. Shortly after Margaret Hossack arrived at the prison in April 1901, he became convinced that she was not guilty of the murder of her husband. He sent a message, via his sister-in-law, to William Berry, urging him to work for her release. It is not known why Hunter concluded that his prisoner was innocent.