Incident Details
Cause of Death:Town Marshal John Harris died two days after being shot while investigating two prowlers.
The subjects were reported at the Adam Popp Saloon after the owner's wife had heard footsteps on the front and back porches of the building where they also lived.
A short time after he and the owner walked in different directions looking for the men, the owner heard gunshots a distance away.
Marshal Harris had observed two men near a blacksmith shop and followed them for a block. When he confronted them, he was shot by a pistol fired by one of the suspects and died from his wounds two days later.
The suspects fled the scene and were never apprehended. A day later, they were suspected of killing North Vernon Police Officer Frank McKinsey.
Town Marshal Harris was survived by his wife, seven children, parents and four sisters.
Military Service United States Army |
Historical Note Town marshals were elected to unlimited, two-year terms until 1917 when state law was amended to require they be appointed to office by the trustees of the town board. |