Bio & Incident Details
Age: Not available
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Cause: Stabbed
Incident Date: 6/18/1849
Weapon: Edged weapon; Knife
Suspect: not guilty by reason of self defense
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Watchman Peter Davison was stabbed on June 18, 1849 by a man at Van Amburg's Circus after Watchman Davison instructed a man to give up his seat for several women.
City Watchman Davison and Alexander Dalzell were detailed to the Van Amburg’s Circus located within the block bordered by 12th, 13th, Vine, and Race Streets. The tent was packed and the watchmen were trying to find seats for ladies, as had been the custom of that time. They directed a young man to vacate his seat and he refused. One of the officers threatened to physically remove the subject, John C. Walker, an Ohio Medical College student, who refused again. The officers tried to pull Walker from the seat and Walker pulled a heavy Bowie knife and stabbed both officers.
Davison died soon thereafter at the home of Nathan Marchant, on Seventh Street, on June 25. Dalzell lingered near death for many weeks, but recovered.
Walker was put on trial for murder and found not guilty by reason of self defense.
