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Silas Frank Nance
Incident
Constable Silas Nance was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had shot several people in Ohley.
He was at home when he was notified of the shooting. He located the suspect in Eskdale, where he was shot and killed.
The man fled the area but was arrested by a posse in Boone County the following day. At the time he murdered Constable Nance, the subject was out on parole for a prior conviction of unlawfully carrying a pistol. He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on July 9th, 1915.
Constable Nance was survived by his wife and son.
Survivors
Constable Nance was survived by his wife and son.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Nance served with the Kanawha County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Eskdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Nance.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Silas is the only officer of Kanawha County Constable's Office - Eskdale District remembered here.
Silas is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Silas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Silas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1914, 1 officer in WV was killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Silas was 47. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Silas was 47. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Silas was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Tuesdays: 19.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kanawha County Constable's Office - Eskdale District. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 18.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
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