Sheriff William Gresham, Harrison County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

Sheriff William Gresham

Harrison County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

End of Watch Thursday, January 23, 1834

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William Gresham

Sheriff William Gresham was shot while attempting to serve an arrest warrant upon a subject.

The subject had become enraged and disorderly after learning a whipping had been administered to his younger brother by a local school teacher in Blue River Township. When a local constable was unable to serve an arrest warrant that had been issued, Sheriff Gresham was summoned. While attempting to take the young man into custody, Sheriff Gresham was shot and died immediately.

The suspect was arrested and convicted of manslaughter. In April 1835, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison and fined $1,000. The governor pardoned him in 1840 and remitted the fine.

Sheriff Gresham had served with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department for one year and was in his first term as sheriff. He was survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters and by his mother. He is buried in the Lanesville Protestant Cemetery in Lanesville, Indiana.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Pardoned in 1840

warrant service

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Sheriff Gresham,
On today, the 190th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harrison County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 23, 2024