Deputy U.S. Marshal James M. Rowan

James M. Rowan

Deputy Marshal James Rowan was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance at a bar in Skagway in the Pacific Northwest Territory (modern-day Alaska).

A patron at the bar felt that he had been short-changed and reported the incident to Deputy Marshal Rowan, who accompanied him back to the bar. As the two entered the bar they were immediately fired upon by the other subject. Deputy Marshal Rowan and the patron both died from their wounds.

The man who shot both men was acquitted on grounds of self defense.

Deputy Marshal Rowan had served with the United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service for two years. He was survived by his wife and son, who was born one hour prior to Deputy Marshal Rowan's murder.

He is buried at Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska.