Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Smith was shot and killed as he and the constable of Aberdeen served a warrant on a man over a dispute concerning a house. When the officers arrived the man was in the process of razing the home. The suspect at first was cooperative but began to resist. When the officers attempted to disarm him the man told them that, because he was a U.S. mail carrier, he was permitted to be armed. The man then pulled out his gun and exchanged shots with both officers.
Marshal Smith was struck in the chest and killed instantly. The constable and the suspect continued to exchange shots and both were wounded. When the two ran out of ammunition the constable was able to strike the suspect on the head with his gun, knocking him unconscious. Both wounded men were taken to a hospital. The suspect was then transferred to jail.
The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years. He was paroled on May 22, 1907.
Marshal Smith was survived by his wife, son, and adopted daughter.
Survivors
Marshal Smith was survived by his wife, son, and adopted daughter.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-WA-69D30EE8- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Smith served with the Cosmopolis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cosmopolis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Silas W. Smith is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Silas W. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Silas W. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1907
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Silas W. Smith is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Silas W. Smith was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.