Iowa Concerns of Police Survivors

Constable Peter Scanlon was killed after being struck in the head with an oar while attempting an arrest.

He and other officers were serving a warrant on a man who had beat his wife as well as stolen several shotguns from another man. The suspect had also threatened not to be taken alive.

The officers located the man in a boat on the river's shore. When Officer Scanlon jumped in the boat it was inadvertently pushed from shore. He yelled out to the other officers he would have the man row to his cabin a short distance away and to meet them there.

When the boat failed to show the other officers ran to the jail to see if they had gone there instead. A search was initiated when it was determined they hadn't arrived at the jail either. Constable Scanlon's body was recovered from the river the following day. An autopsy determined that he had been struck on the side of the head with an oar and died as a result.

Constable Scanlon was survived by two daughters.

Guard John Elder was killed when he was attacked and suffocated by three inmates while watching over the Hospital Ward of the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.

The inmates escaped but were recaptured a few days later.

On May 19th, 1882, two of the inmates were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. One was pardoned in 1892 and the other inmate died in prison in 1896. The third inmate was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years.

Guard Elder is buried at the grounds of the Iowa State Penitentiary Cemetery, Lee County, Iowa.

Constable Francis Shepard was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two brothers for theft.

He was shot twice in the chest as he approached the two. The suspects were both apprehended one year later and were lynched by a mob that broke into the jail.

Constable Shepard had previously served in the Civil War and is buried in Lima Cemetery in Fayette County, Iowa.

Officer James Means suffered a fatal heart attack while arresting a man who was drunk and disorderly after 7:00 a.m. on 5th Street between Perry and Brady Streets.

When Officer Means approached the subject, the man fled, but he was apprehended near the corner of Fifth Street and Perry Street. While Officer Means was walking the subject to jail on the north side of Fifth Street, the subject held onto a fence, refusing to go any further. Another struggle ensued, and Officer Means was able to get the man walking with him again. A few steps later, Officer Means fell to the ground, and the subject ran north on Brady Street.

Bystanders in the area turned Officer Means onto his back, but he was barely breathing. By the time they arrived at the police station, Officer Means had passed away.

Another officer chased after the subject and apprehended him near 6th Street.

Officer Means was a United States Civil War veteran working for the Iowa state government during the war. He had served in law enforcement for nine years, serving five years as an officer with the Davenport Police Department and as an elected marshal for one year, deputy marshal, and special policeman. Officer Means also served as a fireman for ten years. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son.

Turnkey John Manning was accidentally shot and killed by the jail matron as he attempted to prevent a prisoner from escaping.

Turnkey Manning had served with the Wapello County Sheriff's Office for five months.

Captain William McDaniel was struck and killed by a Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway train about three-quarters of a mile north of Solon, Iowa.

He and another officer had traveled to Solon after learning that a murder suspect may have fled there. They were crossing the bridge when a freight train approached. The other officer was able to jump from the bridge without getting struck, however, Captain McDaniel was struck and thrown into the creek below.

The other officer pulled him from the creek and he was taken into town on the train. He died about 10 minutes later.

As the officer changed into dry clothes in Solon the suspect was spotted walking along the tracks and was taken into custody.

Captain McDaniel had served with the Cedar Rapids Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Night Watchman Robert Heller was shot and killed by a man he intended to arrest for wife beating. The suspect opened fire with a shotgun from inside his home as Watchman Heller walked up to his front door. The suspect then shot and killed himself.

Watchman Heller was a Civil War veteran, having served with the 9th Iowa Calvary.

Night Watchman Samuel Hamilton was shot and killed as he confronted a group of men who were creating a disturbance.

The men had just left a club room and were walking south on Main Street and making a great deal of noise. When Night Watchman Hamilton attempted to quiet them, a fight broke out, and one of the men opened fire with a pistol. Night Watchman Hamilton was killed instantly.

The shooter was later arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 8 years in prison December 26, 1889.

Night Watchman Hamilton was 27-years old, and had served with the Le Mars Police for a year and 3 months. He was survived by his wife.

Sheriff Ramsey was shot and killed when he responded to investigate reports of a man threatening a neighbor.

When he arrived at the scene, the man fatally shot him. The suspect was shot and killed by another citizen.

Sheriff Ramsey was a Union Civil War veteran and had served with the Lucas County Sheriff's Office for one year. He was survived by his wife and six children.