Probation Officer William Avery Sexton

William Avery Sexton

Probation Officer William Sexton drowned while performing rescue operations during the Great Flood of 1913, in which the Scioto River overflowed.

During the rescue operations, he fell from the rowboat in the area of Rich Street and Mitchell Street. His body was recovered several days later.

Approximately 500 people were killed throughout Ohio during the flood, including Captain Allen McGown of the Findlay Police Department.

Officer Sexton had served with the Columbus Police Department for eight years and was assigned as a probation officer for the Columbus Police Court. He was survived by his wife, father, and brother.