Lee County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch: Saturday, October 13, 1894
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 13, 1894
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Lynched
Sheriff William Simms was shot and killed by a man who became enraged when he was denied entrance to the county fair in Beattyville because he did not have a ticket. When the man got loud and verbally abusive with the gate keeper, Sheriff Simms stepped in and warned him to be quiet. The man then vented his anger on the sheriff, drew two revolvers, and shot the sheriff three times killing him instantly. The local jailer who was near-by returned fire wounding the suspect, and with the help of several citizens subdued him.
The next morning an angry mob forced their way into the county jail, seized the suspect, and hanged him.
Sheriff Simms had been sheriff of Lee County for two years and was up for reelection with no opposition. He was survived by his wife and three children.