Deputy Sheriff Henry M. "Muggins" Taylor, Custer County Sheriff's Office, Montana

Deputy Sheriff Henry M. "Muggins" Taylor

Custer County Sheriff's Office, Montana

End of Watch Sunday, October 1, 1882

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Henry M. "Muggins" Taylor

Deputy Sheriff Muggins Taylor was shot and killed while attempting to stop a drunk man from beating his wife in Coulson, Montana.

The man had been kicked out of a saloon for being drunk and disorderly. He went to his home, retrieved his Winchester rifle, and returned to the saloon to threaten the bartender. Deputy Taylor was in Coulson and witnessed the incident. The man then ran back into his home and began to threaten his own wife. Deputy Taylor entered the home in an attempt to stop the man from assaulting his wife. As he grabbed the man's gun it discharged and struck him in the upper leg.

He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds four days later.

The man was apprehended and convicted of Deputy Taylor's murder but was pardoned eight years later.

Deputy Taylor was a Union Army veteran who had served under General George Custer. He had served with the Custer County Sheriff's Office for eight months and also served as a deputy marshal with the United States Marshals Service.

Bio

Age 52
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, September 27, 1882
Weapon Rifle; Winchester
Offender Pardoned

domestic

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“The phrase “lest we forget” is now embedded in our psyche owing to the events of the last century and it is that century that dominates modern culture and modern thinking. Whilst understandable, it is very important to remember that this phrase should also apply to the distant past. The sacrifice and suffering of those long gone was nonetheless very real and we must make sure that they are also not forgotten. RIP, “Muggins”.

Lawrence Sherrington
Retired solicitor, UK

October 25, 2022