Town Marshal William Wilbur "Boss" Bias

William Wilbur "Boss" Bias

Marshal Boss Bias was shot and killed by one of the town's former deputy marshals who had recently been released from prison.

The former deputy marshal and the town's former marshal had both been arrested by federal prohibition agents and convicted of prohibition charges. When they were removed from office, Marshal Bias was replaced as the new marshal in 1927.

Upon the deputy marshal's release, he and Marshal Bias had several encounters and disagreements. On the night of July 23, 1935, the former deputy marshal and two other men shot at Marshal Bias as they drove past him. Marshal Bias pursued them a short distance until the other vehicle stopped. As he exited his police car, the three suspects opened fire, killing him.

All three men were arrested and charged with Marshal Bias' murder. Two were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 20 years.

Marshal Bias had served as marshal of the Proctorville Police Department from 1927-1932 and then again when he was killed in 1935. He was survived by his wife and children.