United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 16, 1863
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 1 week
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Incident: December 16, 1863
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Inspector William Goodell and Deputy Collector James Anderson drowned in Washington state during a severe flood that swept the Port Angeles Customs House from its foundation and into the Strait of Juan De Fuca in Washinton.
The Customs House was located at the foot of Valley Creek. A log jam upriver broke free during a storm, causing the floodwaters to sweep into the valley.
Inspector Goodell had served with the United States Customs Service for only one week. He was survived by his wife and two children.