United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, October 1, 1864
Add to My HeroesJosiah M. Woodruff
Special Agent Josiah Woodruff and Deputy Provost Marshal John Bashore were shot and killed while attempting to serve arrest warrants on several Civil War draft dodgers in Poweshiek County, Iowa.
The two agents had encountered a man on the roadway and informed him they were looking for the deserters. The man informed them he would help locate them, but was a sympathizer to a group known as the Copperheads. The subjects named on the warrant had threatened violence towards any officers who attempted to arrest them. When the man separated from the agents, he immediately informed the subjects the officers were looking for them and vowed he would help them resist the agents.
The subjects located the agents and opened fire on them, killing Special Agent Woodruff and fatally wounding Marshal Bashore. Despite his wounds, Marshal Bashore was able to return fire and wounded one of the men. Marshal Bashore succumbed to his wounds several hours later. The wounded man was convicted of both murders in 1867 and subsequently sentenced to death, however, he late received clemency from President Andrew Johnson.
Special Agent Woodruff is buried in Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, Iowa.
Bio
- Age 21
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Iowa
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Death sentenced commuted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsAgent Woodruff,
On today the 160th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country during the Civil War.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
October 1, 2024
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