Sheriff Herman Barnickol

Herman Barnickol

Sheriff Herman Barnickol was shot and mortally wounded during an escape attempt at the St. Clair County Jail.

As nine prisoners overpowered the jailor, one of them took his revolver and shot Sheriff Barnickol through his arm as he intervened. Sheriff Barnickol returned fire, killing the suspect.

Two weeks later, due to complications from infection, Sheriff Barnickol's left arm had to be amputated just below his shoulder. He died five hours later.

Sheriff Barnickol's wife and his aged mother played a heroic part in preventing the other eight prisoners from escaping. On April 21st, 1900, six of the prisoners were found guilty of Sheriff Barnickol's murder. One was sentenced to 18 years in prison. The other five were sentenced to 14 years each.

Sheriff Barnickol had served with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department for five years and had served as Sheriff for two of those years. He was survived by his wife, mother, seven brothers, and four sisters.

Sheriff Barnickel is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Belleville, St. Clair County.