Barron County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Tuesday, January 25, 1916
Reflections for Sheriff Matt Olson
Since writing the reflection that I left on January 25, 2024, I have more information about Matt Olson's death. Formerly, all I knew was what was written in the newspapers at the time of the incident. Last fall, we hosted a murder mystery dinner which was loosely written around this event. When the public had "solved" the mystery, we were discussing this murder, as it was written in the papers. One of the participants got very excited and exclaimed that that was her g-g-grandfather! I asked if she meant Matt Olson, but she replied that it was the farmer! She said the family disowned him and his wife divorced him because of this, but that Sheriff Olson was in the wrong. It seems that the horse Sheriff Olson was trying to reposes was Sheriff Olson's own horse. Evidently, he had left it there to get bred, but refused to pay the stud fee.
Tammy Schutz
Exec. Director, Barron County Historical Society
July 7, 2025
Sheriff Olson, we tell your story at Barron County Historical Society's Pioneer Village Museum. A picture of you, along with a copy of the newspaper clipping hang on the wall of our sandstone jail. Your wife's wedding dress is on display in Jerome Hall. As the director, I am there almost every day, so I think about you and your family often, as well as the family of the man who murdered you. Thank you for your service.
Tammy Schutz
Executive Director, Pioneer Village Museum
January 25, 2024
Sheriff Olson, on the hundredth anniversary of your death may you rest knowing that your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Senior Parole Officer Frederick Germain
NYSDOCCS
January 25, 2016
Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.
Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.
September 15, 2013
Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.
Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO
February 5, 2013
My Great Grandfather. I never had the chance to meet you. Your Norwegian heritage carry's on.
Your Great Grandson, Jeffrey VanDeWalker
Jeffrey VanDeWalker
Great Grandson
March 8, 2012
Time goes on as 96years may pass but today you are still honored, a Hero can never be forgotten. RIP Sir, I have a cottage in Barron County and do thank you for your service.
James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
January 25, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 96th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. .
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 25, 2012
God bless you, and rest in peace Sheriff Olson.
- EO
Anonymous
April 8, 2009
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 22, 2008
Rest in peace
You're gone but not forgotten
Deputy
Walworth Co. SO
December 19, 2003