John Brassard Jr. is an author and historian from eastern Iowa. He has a degree in history from Iowa State University and is a history columnist for the DeWitt Observer. John's work has also been featured in the North Scott Press, the Quad City Times, the Catholic Messenger and the Iowa History Journal. He serves as a board member and newsletter editor for the Scott County Historical Preservation Society and works with the Scott County Historical Society, the Central Community Historical Society and the Friends of Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.

Scott County is one of the oldest counties in Iowa. It is where the Blackhawk Treaty was signed and where the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was built. But Scott County has also been witness to many shameful deeds. Travel down Utica Ridge Road, where young Grace Reed paid the ultimate price for spurning the affections of a local farmer. Enter the bedroom of Margaretha Nehlsen, who poisoned her children with chocolate candies. Hear the tale of Harry Hamilton, a former policeman turned career criminal who played a key part in perhaps the most infamous bank robbery in Scott County history. Come and explore these stories and more with author John Brassard Jr. as he guides you through the darker side of Scott County history.