Assistant Provost Marshal John B. Cook, United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Government

Assistant Provost Marshal John B. Cook

United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Government

End of Watch Sunday, March 5, 1865

Add to My Heroes

John B. Cook

Assistant Provost Marshal John Cook was shot and killed from ambush by two Army deserters who believed that he was going to arrest them.

The subjects had gone to Assistant Provost Marshal Cook's home in Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio, to locate him. Not knowing their intentions, his wife informed one of the men that he would be returning shortly. The subject went into the alley beyond his house where he encountered Assistant Provost Marshal Cook. As they greeted each other the subject pulled out a pistol and fatally shot him.

Both men fled the scene but were arrested several days later. They were both convicted of murder in a military court martial and sentenced to death. Both were executed by hanging at Camp Chase, Ohio, on September 6th, 1865.

Assistant Provost Marshal Cook was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 47
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Ohio
Weapon Handgun
Offender Executed in 1865

ambush, at home, off duty, retaliation

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Asst. Provost Marshal Cook,
On today, the 160th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-especially during the Civil War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 5, 2025