Grantsville Police Department, Utah
End of Watch Tuesday, May 3, 1870
Add to My HeroesFestus Sprague
Posseman Festus Sprague was shot and killed while attempting to arrest the man who had murdered Deputy U.S. Marshal William Story the previous day.
The posse tracked the subject to a relative's home along South Willow Creek in a canyon approximately seven miles southwest of Grantsville. As the posse closed in on the house the man mounted his horse and fled further up the canyon until having to dismount. The man fell down the canyon wall into the brush.
As Posseman Sprague and other posse members entered the brush they were ambushed by the subject. Posseman Sprague was fatally wounded before the man was killed by return gunfire by other posse members.
Posseman Sprague was a veteran of the Nauvoo Legion. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 1 day
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsFestus,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Grantsville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 3, 2020
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