Night Policeman Benjamin Eddleman, Vandalia Police Department, Missouri

Night Policeman Benjamin Eddleman

Vandalia Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Monday, December 25, 1899

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Benjamin Eddleman

Night Policeman Benjamin Eddleman was shot and killed by a subject whom he had threatened to arrest earlier the day.

The subject had been thrown out of a local saloon after causing a disturbance in which he attacked Policeman Eddleman. The mayor threatened to have the subject arrested if he caused any more trouble in town. The man returned to the saloon where he again located Policeman Eddleman.

The man immediately shot him in the head with a revolver, killing him. The mayor arrested the man a short time later. He was subsequently convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released on January 1, 1904.

Policeman Eddleman was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 39
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Released in 1904

retaliation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Benjamin Eddleman was my great, great grandfather. His death forever changed the trajectory of our family. His widow moved to Kansas City, MO to raise two children alone. She did not remarry. Their daughter married and had two children, but died when the children were very young. She had to raise two grandchildren alone.
The man that murdered Benjamin was out of jail in three years.

Leslie Cooper
Great, great granddaughter

March 14, 2024