Deputy Sheriff Otha Zeiglar Dent

Otha Zeiglar Dent

Deputy Sheriff Otha Dent was shot and killed when a group of striking miners opened fire on a Birmingham Mineral Branch Railroad train that was transporting members of the Alabama National Guard, several sheriff's deputies, and 50 strikebreakers to a mine near Blocton.

A group of men opened fire with rifles and shotguns, firing hundreds of rounds into the train as it neared trestle No. 9. Deputy Dent, a conductor, and a strikebreaker were killed. Several other passengers on the train were wounded as they returned fire.

Over 30 people were arrested the following day.