Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Special Officer Edward H.
Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

Special Officer

Edward H. "Elijah" Wishart

Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch: Wednesday, July 1, 1891

Biographical Info

Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 30, 1891
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 6 years

Special Officer Wishart was shot and killed by a man who was attempting to illegally dump rubbish in a graveyard on West 9th Street. Officer Wishart had been appointed to guard the graveyard to prevent illegal dumping by several individuals.

One of the men came to the scene with his workers and informed Officer Wishart he was going to dump the rubbish in the crematory. When Officer Wishart informed him he would not be permitted to do so, the man produced two .38 caliber revolvers and opened fire. Despite being fatally wounded, Officer Wishart was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect.

Officer Wishart was taken to the city hall where he died from his wounds the following day.

The suspect was a notorious former lawman known for his ruthlessness. He was arrested after shooting Officer Wishart and taken to the local jail. An angry mob was prevented from lynching him by the local militia. The suspect was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to 4 years in prison, but was pardoned by the governor after serving only 2 years.

Officer Wishart was survived by his wife and three children.