Game Protector Samuel S. Taylor

Samuel S. Taylor

Game Protector Samuel Taylor was shot and killed by game violators while attempting to arrest them for shooting songbirds along the Mohawk River east of Riverside Park.

On the morning of Sunday, April 5, Game Protector Taylor joined forces with a Game Protector from Oneida to patrol along the banks of the Mohawk River to check for illegal duck hunting. While patrolling, they heard gunshots in the woods east of Riverside Park. The protectors observed several men shooting birds. One of the subjects was in possession of a shotgun, and the other was picking up dead birds.

After following the violators for a time, the protectors finally stepped out in front of the party, instructing them to surrender and advising them that they were under arrest. The man carrying the shotgun fired, striking Game Protector Taylor in the chest and abdomen, and fled. Protector Taylor fell to the ground, wounded. The second subject fired two shots at the other protector, who drew his service revolver and returned fire but failed to hit the assailants.

Protector Taylor was carried a half mile to the Oneida County Hospital, where despite heroic efforts to save him, Protector Taylor died from his wounds the following day.

Protector Taylor's assailants were indicted but fled the area and were never apprehended and brought to justice.

Protector Taylor had served with the New York State Environmental Conservation Police for two years. He was survived by his widowed mother.