Deputy U.S. Marshal Willard Rufus Ayers

Deputy U.S. Marshal Willard Rufus Ayers | United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government
United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government
Deputy U.S. Marshal Willard Rufus Ayers

United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, August 11, 1880

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Willard Rufus Ayers

Deputy Marshal Willard Ayers was shot and killed while serving a warrant on a man in Cherokeetown, Chickasaw Nation (present day Oklahoma).

The subject asked Deputy Marshal Ayers if he could get clothing and Deputy Marshal Ayers agreed. The man instead picked up a gun and shot Marshal Ayers in the head, killing him.

The man was sentenced to death and was hung April 28th, 1888, at Fort Smith Arkansas.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Oklahoma
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentence commuted to life
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Thank you for not only what you did but also to your two brothers who also were US Marshals, at the time. Your family will always remember the loyal service you gave to Oklahoma and the nation.

James Coxen former Deputy Sheriff and U
Great great great nephew of US Marshal CC Ayers your brother.

March 3, 2026

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