Night Watchman Reuben J. Chappell, Pierce City Police Department, Missouri

Night Watchman Reuben J. Chappell

Pierce City Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Monday, December 3, 1900

Reuben J. Chappell

Watchman Chappell succumbed to a gunshot wound received almost two weeks earlier when he attempted to arrest a man who had fired a shot in public.

Watchman Chappell was survived by his wife, four sons, and three daughters.

Bio

Age 58
Tour 18 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, November 24, 1900
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

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Reuben J. Chappell was a Pierce City night watchman who died Dec. 3, 1900 after being shot through the eye while investigating possible bandits roaming through the rail yards. He was shot while confronting three men. Chappell, a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, joined the Pierce City department as marshal in 1886. Shortly after coming into office, he arrested Ed Clum for the murder of a friend and business partner and the woman both men had fallen in love with. Clum was subsequently hanged after trial in Cassville. Chappell became nightwatchman in 1891 and held the post until he died.

MAJ R.A. Layton USA (Retired)
Relative of his wife & family genealogist

April 9, 2014