Watchman Alfred Noah Eaves

Alfred Noah Eaves

Watchman Alfred Eaves was shot and killed near the Relay Depot in East St. Louis, Illinois, as he and two other officers attempted to arrest two men who were stealing items from a boxcar.

The officers were concealed in a shanty to observe the area following a recent rash of thefts. They watched two railroad switchmen enter a boxcar and remove property from inside. As the employees attempted to leave the officers confronted them. One of the men opened fire, killing Watchman Eaves.

One of the officers was able to return fire and wounded one of the men. Both subjects were both charged with Watchman Eaves' murder but were acquitted at trial.

Watchman Eaves was survived by his parents.