Park Policeman Samuel W. Harper

Samuel W. Harper

Park Policeman Samuel Harper succumbed to injuries sustained on December 17th, 1896, while attempting to stop a team of runaway horses near Golden Gate Park.

A citizen was driving the horses as they pulled a wagon. The horses bolted at the corner of Stanyan Street and Haight Street and Park Policeman Harper gave chase on his own horse. As he attempted to catch the other horses his own horse fell over and rolled over Policeman Harper. The team of horses finally stopped and were put under control 11 blocks away at the intersection of Fell Street and Baker Street.

Policeman Harper was not initially believed to have suffered serious injuries, however, he developed blood poisoning and died on December 26th, 1896.

Policeman Harper had served with the San Francisco Police Department for at least four years. He was survived by his wife and predeceased by an infant daughter, who also died in 1896.