Marshal Enos Rath

Enos Rath

Marshal Enos Rath succumbed to wounds sustained when he was violently assaulted while patrolling the streets between 12:00 and 12:45 A.M. He interrupted three men who were attempting to break into a business. The three men began to beat him with a blunt object as he tried to flee and call out for help. The men fled when a woman screamed at them. Marshal Rath managed to pull himself onto the front porch of William Bricker’s home and alert him for help. Marshal Rath told William that he came upon some hobos who had pulled a couple of guns out on him. At that time one of the suspects hit Marshal Rath on the head and he lost his revolver in the scuffle. Marshal Rath said he did not recognize any of the men.

Marshal Rath was left with four skull fractures and succumbed to his wounds later in the day.

Three suspects from Antwerp were arrested for the murder of Marshal Rath: Frank Zuber, Floyd Rumbaugh and Edward Johnson. They were tried and convicted although they had an alibi and no motive. Frank Zuber and Edward Johnson were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, Johnson with no chance of parole. Floyd Rumbaugh was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years. Edward Johnson died in prison on January 7, 1902. Records show that he was posthumously pardoned. Frank Zuber was pardoned on July 4, 1908 provided that he abstained from intoxicating liquor during his life. Floyd Rumbaugh was paroled on July 12, 1907.

Marshal Rath had served with the Hicksville Police Department for 4 years and previously served with the Defiance Police Department for 3 years. He was survived by his wife, Sarah, son Joseph, and daughter Ina.