Town Marshal Wilbur "Boss" Bias

Wilbur "Boss" Bias

Marshal Boss Bias was shot and killed by one of the town's former deputy marshals who had recently been released from prison. The former deputy marshal and the town's former marshal had both been arrested by federal prohibition agents and convicted of prohibition charges.

Upon the deputy marshal's release he and Marshal Bias had several encounters and disagreements. On the night of July 23, 1935, the former deputy marshal and two other men shot at Marshal Bias as they drove past him. Marshal Bias pursued them a short distance until the other vehicle stopped. As he exited his police car the three suspects opened fire, killing him.

All three men were arrested and charged with Marshal Bias' murder. Two were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 1 to 20 years.

Marshal Bias was survived by his wife and children.