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Incident
Town Marshal Reuben Fenstermaker was shot and killed by a man who had been arrested for horse stealing.
Marshal Fenstermaker was guarding the suspect during his arraignment before the local justice of the peace when he suddenly produced a pistol and shot him. The prisoner escaped but was apprehended several weeks later.
On July 5th, 1868, the subject was awaiting trial for Marshal Fenstermaker's murder when he escaped from the Keosaugua Jail. He was recaptured in southern Missouri on February 11th, 1904, after having evaded capture for 36 years. During the interval, he married and raised a large family, to whom his crime was not known. Having served in the Civil War, he applied for a pension in 1904, using another soldier's name. The name attracted attention, and he was arrested for attempted pension fraud. His true identity was discovered along with the murder he had hidden for most of his life.
On April 4th, 1904, the subject was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. On October 25th, 1904, the man, who was 68 years old and in poor health, was pardoned by Governor Albert B. Cummins.
Marsal Fenstermaker was a Union Civil War veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Town Marshal Fenstermaker served with the Farmington Marshal's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Farmington community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Reuben Fenstermaker served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Farmington Marshal's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Reuben is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Reuben is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Reuben is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1867, 2 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1867, 24 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 159th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1867, 29 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 159th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Reuben was 41. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Reuben was 41. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Reuben was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Wednesdays: 20.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Farmington Marshal's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 2.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Farmington Marshal's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Reuben among them.
Where
Military Service
Reuben Fenstermaker served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Reuben Fenstermaker’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Farmington Marshal's Office are honored on badge.nw.
