Sheriff Matt Olson, Barron County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

Sheriff Matt Olson

Barron County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Tuesday, January 25, 1916

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Matt Olson

Sheriff Matt Olson was shot and instantly killed by a farmer in rural Barron County while he was trying to repossess a horse at 11 am.

The farmer was later arrested by a posse and brought to the county seat to be held accountable for the murder. The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison on May 10, 1916. He applied for parole in 1923. The outcome is unknown.

Sheriff Olson had served as Sheriff for over a year with the Barron County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his wife and three children.

He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 1 year, 3 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Sentenced to 25 years

arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sheriff Olson, we tell your story at Barron County Historical Society's Pioneer Village Museum. A picture of you, along with a copy of the newspaper clipping hang on the wall of our sandstone jail. Your wife's wedding dress is on display in Jerome Hall. As the director, I am there almost every day, so I think about you and your family often, as well as the family of the man who murdered you. Thank you for your service.

Tammy Schutz
Executive Director, Pioneer Village Museum

January 25, 2024