Wheels of Murder by Jeffery M. Sauve

On Oct. 7, 1896, the quiet town of Sherburn, Minnesota, was forever changed when the Kellihan brothers rolled into infamy, committing a daring bank robbery that would become the world’s first heist executed on bicycles. Wheels of Murder unravels the gripping true story of Hans and Lew Kellihan, two young men from Iowa who left a trail of murder, chaos and tragedy in their wake.

Their swift, wheeled escape sparked an intense 150-mile manhunt across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Akin to the James-Younger Gang’s infamous 1876 raid on the bank at Northfield, Minnesota, the Kellihans’ exploits captivated a nation 20 years later, highlighting the fragile line between violence and desperation.

From a rain of bullets to a chilling showdown, this unforgettable tale reveals the brothers’ ill-planned getaway, the dedication of the lawmen pursuing them, and the emotional fallout for their family, as well as the numerous individuals impacted by the crime’s far-reaching consequences.

Join the Washington County Historical Society with author Jeffery M Sauve to discuss his book about the first bank robbery committed on bicycles, and the life and death in Stillwater Prison that followed. This event is Saturday, September 12 2026 at 5:30 pm at the Warden’s House (602 Main St., Stillwater). For more information, please contact Warden’s House director Heidi Heinze at
heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org or call (651)439-5956.