Town Marshal Silas W. Smith

Silas W. Smith

Marshal Smith was shot and killed as he and the constable of Aberdeen served a warrant on a man over a dispute concerning a house. When the officers arrived the man was in the process of razing the home. The suspect at first was cooperative but began to resist. When the officers attempted to disarm him the man told them that, because he was a U.S. mail carrier, he was permitted to be armed. The man then pulled out his gun and exchanged shots with both officers.

Marshal Smith was struck in the chest and killed instantly. The constable and the suspect continued to exchange shots and both were wounded. When the two ran out of ammunition the constable was able to strike the suspect on the head with his gun, knocking him unconscious. Both wounded men were taken to a hospital. The suspect was then transferred to jail.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years. He was paroled on May 22, 1907.

Marshal Smith was survived by his wife, son, and adopted daughter.