Constable William Lewis Staggs

Constable William Lewis Staggs | Jefferson County Constable's Office, Alabama
Jefferson County Constable's Office, Alabama
Constable William Lewis Staggs

Jefferson County Constable's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Wednesday, May 24, 1911

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William Lewis Staggs

Constable William Staggs was shot and killed in an ambush as he rode his mule on his way home from work after summoning several men for road work.

He was ambushed and shot with buckshot as he rode along a path.

Two men were charged with his murder but were acquitted at trial.

On May 5th, 1912, a man shot and mortally wounded by his brother-in-law in Bibb County told officials from his deathbed that he shot and killed Constable Staggs. He also gave information that cleared several unsolved crimes in Jefferson County.

Constable Staggs was the constable of Precinct 30 near the Bessie Mines. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

ambush

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I am the great great granddaughter of John Howton and Ella (Thompson) Howton, and Eliza Jane Howton was my great great Aunt (sister of John Howton). Eliza Janie Howton and DF Staggs were your parents you and your children are my cousins.

It is a pleasure to learn that you served the citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama in the capacity of Constable. It was surely a most dangerous time for law enforcement during prohibition. Thank you for your service and your memory continues to live on.

Liletta Nunnery-Motley

April 15, 2025

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