Patrolman Kemper
On February 23, 1876, John Zilar killed Patrolman Kemper while in the performance
of his duty.
Substitute Patrolman Edward Gallagher
On March 25, 1876, James Dunbar brutally murdered Substitute Patrolman Gallagher.
Patrolman Martin Kunkel
On January 20, 1878, three men shot and killed Patrolman Kunkel as he was attempting
to place them under arrest.
Patrolman John Dwyer
On July 18, 1878, Patrolman Dwyer was thrown from a streetcar and fatally injured.
Patrolman Fred Karch
On November 3, 1880, Patrolman Karch and his partner attempted to disperse a gang
of fifteen blacks at Sixth Street and Broadway. Charles Marshal, the leader of
a gang, shot Patrolman Karch, who died the next day on November 4.
Patrol Wagon Driver Joseph Sturm
On December 24, 1883, William Berner and Joseph Palmer beat to death William Kirk
and took his money. They were apprehended, tried, convicted, and sentenced to
20 years. Citizens outraged at the lenient sentence met at Music Hall on Elm Street
and then 2000 of them converged on the Courthouse at Court and Sycamore Streets.
During the ensuing riots, the Ohio State Militia was called in to protect the
Courthouse and occupants. At some point, the militia fired a volley into the rioters.
Patrol Wagon Driver Sturm had arrived and was struck five times by the “friendly
fire.” Patrolman Sturm died on March 29. The riots continued until the evening
of March 30.
Patrolman Martin Gorman Patrolman Henry Schierloh
During the Election Riot of October 18, 1884, Patrolmen Gorman and Schierloh were
shot. Patrolman Gorman died that night. Patrolman Schierloh died twelve days later
on October 30.
Patrolman Patrick Riley
Died on March 8, 1887, when during a gambling raid, a gun fell from the pocket
of a fellow officer and discharged, the round striking Patrolman Riley.
Patrolman Frank Seip
On December 2, 1887, Patrolman Seip died of blood poisoning caused by a bite received
from a diseased prisoner resisting arrest.
Patrolman William Saunders
Patrolman Saunders died on March 11, 1888 from injuries sustained a few days earlier
when he accidentally dropped his revolver in the station house during roll call
and it discharged, striking Patrolman Saunders.
Patrolman A.W. Hassenkamp
On December 17, 1888, Patrolman Hassenkamp died as a result of a fall while on
duty.
Patrolman John Tegge
Served 13 years
July 24, 1875 to January 30, 1880 and July 26, 1881 to December 6, 1889
On December 4, 1889, Patrolman Tegge, while on duty, fell at the corner of Spring
Grove Avenue and Hunt Street. He died two days later, December 6, from his injuries.
Substitute Patrolman Henry Roese
Served: 3 months
May 14 to July 16, 1890
Substitute Patrolman Roese’s revolver accidentally discharged as he was
stepping off a streetcar on May 21, 1890, one week after he took the oath of office.
He died 2¾ months later on July 16, 1890, from the injuries sustained.
Patrolman Craig Scott
While making an arrest of Joseph Carver, a Hamilton City policeman, Patrolman
Craig Scott suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. The leg became infected and he
died January 10, 1893.
Court Officer Richard Morris
Served: 9 years.
July 15, 1886 to February 28, 1895
On February 27, 1895, Court Officer Morris served a warrant on a Mr. Stolzenberger
who had been given to drinking and was "driven half insane by the recent
death of his only child." Stolzenberger had choked his wife and vowed his
intent to avenge himself upon her sister and others he believed to be his enemies.
He went willingly with Officer Morris, but along the way, jerked away from him
and shot him at close range. As he ran, Stolzenberger came across Patrolman Fred
Shafer. After firing once at Shafer and preparing to fire another, Patrolman Shafer
shot and killed Stolzenberger. Morris was rushed to the hospital. Though conscious,
he died the next day, February 28.
His funeral was held at his home on McMillan.
Patrolman Henry Zimmerer
While trying to break up a street brawl on August 25, 1895, Patrolman Henry Zimmerer
was stuck in the head by a street car and killed.
Patrolman Louis Klusman
Served: 10¼ years
August 28, 1886 to December 25, 1896.
Patrolman Louis Klusman
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, 1896, Patrolman Klusman, at McMicken Avenue
and Vine Street, while riding on the rear of a cable car on his way to report
to the Bremer Street Station, saw a horse fall in an accident and become detached
from a carriage carrying Dr. A. Hoeltge of 1542 Linn Street and his sister. The
horse was running at breakneck speed from Clifton Avenue toward McMicken Avenue
when Patrolman Klusman leapt from the car and put himself in harms way. He died
of the injuries sustained in his attempt to stop the horse. Other than Dr. Hoeltge
in the initial accident, no one else was injured.Patrolman Klusman was survived
by his wife and several children. When Sergeant Love went to their Walnut Hills
home to notify his wife, he found the children playing on the floor with their
new Christmas toys and lost the nerve to tell her. Instead, he helped her ready
herself to go to the hospital, but on the way a newspaper reporter told her of
the death. During 1897, Patrolman Klusman was posthumously awarded the Henshaw
Medal for valor. It was presented to his seven-year-old son, Louis Edward Klusman.
He passed the medal down to Edward Pershing Klusman, a Cincinnati Fire Department
Captain who retired in 1968. He passed it onto Mark Klusman of Ten Mile, Tennessee,
who gave it to this author. It is now on display at the Greater Cincinnati Police
Museum.
Detective Robert E. Moran
Served: 7 years
March 18, 1891 to January 10, 1898
On January 9, 1898, word reached Police headquarters that Herman Diehm was at
a house on East Sixth Street. Diehm was suspected to be the ring leader of the
gang wanted in a robbery of a jewelry store on Liberty Street during the past
holiday season. Detective Moran and several patrolmen responded to pick up the
gang. They entered the house, made their way to the second floor, and demanded
entrance to a locked room. As the door was opened, Diehm shot Detective Moran
and ran out of the house. Police arrested Diehm the next day in Covington. Detective
Moran died the next day, January 10, after giving a statement that he recognized
Diehm as the shooter. Regardless, Diehm was found not guilty.
Sergeant Joseph M. Burman
Served: 3¼ years
June 1, 1886 to September 29, 1899
On September 29, 1899, Sergeant Burman was run over and killed by a Baltimore
and Ohio railroad train at Madisonville, Ohio.
Police Officer William Thomas “Ox” or “Mox”
McQuery
Age: 39 On June 8, 1900 Police Officer William McQuery approached two assailants
on a horse drawn streetcar, trying to flee the city after killing a drifter. One
shot Office McQuery. He died June 12, 1900. “Mox” McQuery, prior to
joining the Department, played first base for five years with the Cincinnati Outlaw
Reds in the Union Association and four other teams in the National League and
American Association.
These accounts are collected, collated, compiled and updated by members
of the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society (www.GCPHS.com). If you have
pictures, newspaper clippings, facts, artifacts, and information involving any
slain law enforcement officers in the Greater Cincinnati area, including their
dependants, spouses, and descendants, please contact the Greater Cincinnati Police
Historical Society at skramer@gcphs.com.
Copyright 2006 GCPHS, Inc. The Greater Cincinnati
Police Historical Society. Cincinnati, Ohio
