Sheriff William A. Phoenix, Amador County Sheriff's Department, California

Sheriff William A. Phoenix

Amador County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, August 12, 1855

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William A. Phoenix

Sheriff Phoenix was shot and killed in Tuolumne County after having chased several Mexican bandits from Amador County who had raided, sacked, and killed six citizens in Drytown. The incident became known as the Rancheria Massacre. Twenty Mexicans were later captured and lynched, though most if not all had nothing to do with the massacre.

Sheriff Phoenix was killed near Chinese Camp. He was the first sheriff of Amador County.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

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Sheriff Phoenix,
On today, the 170th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Amador County.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 12, 2025