Captain William H. Hemsing, New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey

Captain William H. Hemsing

New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey

End of Watch Thursday, August 17, 1899

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William H. Hemsing

Captain William Hemsing succumbed to a knife wound sustained three years earlier when he was attacked by an inmate in the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton.

The inmate was suspected of having a knife, and while he was exercising the guards searched his cell, but did not find it. After the search, Captain Hemsing took the inmate to the prison's rotunda and had him face the wall to search him. The man suddenly turned, threatened Captain Hemsing, and then stabbed him in the throat, causing a severe gash. Other guards immediately subdued the inmate and disarmed him.

Captain Hemsing went insane after suffering the wound and was taken to the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds three years later.

Captain Hemsing was a veteran of the Civil War. He had served with the New Jersey State Prison for 19 years and had previously served as chief of police in Camden, New Jersey. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 58
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Incident Date Tuesday, July 14, 1896
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Apprehended

correctional Facility, prisoner custody

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Capt. Hemsing,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the Union Army as a member of the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 17, 2024