Vilas County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch: Thursday, July 6, 1911
Age: 61
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 5, 1911
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1928
Sheriff John Radcliffe succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he was trying to apprehend two men at the request of the Oneida County Sheriff. Two deputies were also shot but survived. The suspects escaped but a posse was formed and later apprehended them. The suspects were wanted for holding a young girl against her will and attempting to sell her into slavery.
Both suspects were convicted of Sheriff Radcliffe's murder and sentenced to life in prison. The shooter was paroled in 1928. His accomplice's sentence was commuted to 14 years.