The Friday evening, Sept. 6 edition of the Geneva Daily Times published an EXTRA: “PRESIDENT MCKINLEY ASSASSINATED AT BUFFALO TODAY.”

The wire-service dispatch reflected the reporter’s shock, which undoubtedly mirrored the nation’s reaction, including most Genevans. “The shooting was done by an insane man, who is now under arrest.” President McKinley was at the Pan-American Exposition, greeting large crowds lined up to shake his hand, when “the crank” ran to a spot near the president, shouted something in an unintelligible tone, raised the pistol, and discharged two shots in quick succession.

While the President was attended by physicians in a nearby house, “the greatest excitement prevailed on the grounds. People ran hither and thither, and it was only with difficulty that the police were able to prevent the president’s assailant from being lynched.” The assailant disappeared into the crowd but was quickly apprehended. The dispatch said that information was limited and “it is almost impossible to get definite statements as to the president’s condition.” The physicians consider McKinley’s recovery “a matter of doubt.”

The Saturday evening edition had front-page updates. The President had undergone surgery and was conscious and alert. One bullet penetrated his stomach, and while the operation to repair the damage was successful, the doctors feared the complication of peritonitis.

At first, the assailant told police his name was 28-year-old Fred Nieman (which means “no........

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