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Incident
Marshal Boss Bias was shot and killed by one of the town's former deputy marshals who had recently been released from prison.
The former deputy marshal and the town's former marshal had both been arrested by federal prohibition agents and convicted of prohibition charges. When they were removed from office, Marshal Bias was replaced as the new marshal in 1927.
Upon the deputy marshal's release, he and Marshal Bias had several encounters and disagreements. On the night of July 23, 1935, the former deputy marshal and two other men shot at Marshal Bias as they drove past him. Marshal Bias pursued them a short distance until the other vehicle stopped. As he exited his police car, the three suspects opened fire, killing him.
All three men were arrested and charged with Marshal Bias' murder. Two were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 20 years.
Marshal Bias had served as marshal of the Proctorville Police Department from 1927-1932 and then again when he was killed in 1935.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Bias gave the Proctorville Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Proctorville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Bias.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Proctorville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 1935, 7 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 47. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 47. 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. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Proctorville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 6.1% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Proctorville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Proctorville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.