Age: 44

On July 6, 1878, at about 11 p.m., Patrolman Dwyer of the Sedamsville (9th) District was standing on the platform of the Eighth Street street car which was approaching the Mill Creek Bridge.  He loosened his hold on the railing for a moment in order to adjust his badge and was thrown off.  He fell on his left side breaking his left arm near the shoulder.  He was taken to Goebreck’s Saloon and Dr. Shepard responded.  The break was so severe that a newspaper reported the next day that it may require amputation.  Eleven days following the injury, on July 17, 1878, while in terrible agony and gangrene having set in, the arm was amputated; but not soon enough to save his life.  He died the following morning, about 1 a.m. on July 18, 1878.    

Patrolman Dwyer left a wife.  His funeral procession left July 20, 1878, at 7 a.m. from the southeast corner of Evans and High Streets.  A High Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on Wilder Avenue at 8 a.m.   He was then escorted to and buried at St. Joseph’s New Cemetery. 

Nearly all the research with regard to the death of Officer Dwyer was provided by Joyce Meyer. If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.