Marshal Alvah H. Countiss

Alvah H. Countiss

Marshal Alvah Countiss was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at the local railroad depot in the early morning hours. A citizen had notified him at his home that there was a group of young men acting rowdy at the depot.

Shortly after Marshal Countiss arrived he was shot by one of the men. The suspect was arrested several days later. He was convicted of Marshal Countiss' murder but was given a second trial on appeal. During the second trial he was convicted only of carrying a pistol and fined $50 and sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Marshal Countiss had served as the night marshal for only a few days. He was survived by his wife and four children.