Night Watchman Reuben J. Chappell

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