Roll of Honor
Cyrus Butler
Incident
Location: Pennsylvania Incident Date: Sunday, October 30, 1864 Weapon: Rifle Offender: Arrested
Special Agent Cyrus Butler was shot and killed in Lawrence Township, Pennsylvania, while he and another deputy provost marshal attempted to arrest a draft dodger.
The subject had been selected for the draft approximately one year earlier but failed to report for enlistment. Only 150 of 600 draftees from Clearfield County had reported for enlistment. Special Agent Butler received information that the subject would be at his home so he and a second deputy provost marshal went there before daybreak.
When the man exited his house to tend to animals in his barn he saw both officers and ran back inside, with the officers in pursuit. He ran up the stairs and grabbed a rifle. Just as Special Agent Butler got to to the landing the man shot him in the abdomen and then struck him so hard the rifle stock broke. The other officer returned fire, wounding the subject, who fled on foot. The man was arrested in May 1865 and charged with Special Agent Butler's murder.
Special Agent Butler was a veteran of the Union Army and had been wounded at Chancellorsville, being discharged in 1863 with the rank lieutenant colonel. He was appointed a deputy provost marshal following his discharge.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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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.
Special Agent Butler served with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Cyrus Butler served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Special Agent Cyrus Butler is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,775 officers honored here.
In VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, 11 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Cyrus Butler's cause is highlighted.
How Cyrus Butler Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Cyrus Butler is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Cyrus Butler was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Military Service
Cyrus Butler served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
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His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from United States Army Criminal Investigation Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
