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Gustavus James Simmons
Incident
Prohibition Officer Gus Simmons was shot and killed from ambush as he and three other state prohibition officers searched for a still in along the Jenny Branch of the Little White Oak Creek in Wyoming County.
As the raiding party made its way toward the still Officer Simmons was shot in the back from ambush. The shooters were able to flee the scene as the other officers sought cover and retreated to call for assistance.
Several members of one family were arrested and charged with his murder. Two were convicted and sentenced to life, while three others were acquitted.
Officer Simmons had given up a life of farming to become a prohibition officer after his son was given illegal liquor by moonshiners.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Prohibition Officer Simmons gave the West Virginia Department of Prohibition 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Prohibition Officer Simmons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
West Virginia Department of Prohibition has lost 13 officers; 12 of them killed feloniously.
Gustavus is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Gustavus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gustavus 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 1927, 3 officers at West Virginia Department of Prohibition were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1927, 7 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Gustavus was 41. Of the 12 killed feloniously at West Virginia Department of Prohibition whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49; the middle age was 45.5. Gustavus had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 1 years.
Gustavus was 41. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Gustavus had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Gustavus was 41. 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. Gustavus had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Gustavus was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Gustavus had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 25% of these deaths at West Virginia Department of Prohibition, more than any other month. Mondays: 25%.
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Mondays: 16%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 92.3% of all 13 deaths at West Virginia Department of Prohibition, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.1% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
West Virginia Department of Prohibition has 13 officers remembered here, Gustavus among them.
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Will Farley Aug 11, 1919
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William Meade Feb 12, 1922
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John Luther Maddy
Jul 15, 1922
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Thomas E. Rutherford Feb 25, 1923
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Mose Elswick Sep 23, 1923
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Walter E. Blake
Oct 28, 1923
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Leander M. Cook Nov 15, 1924
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William Holand Wolford Dec 9, 1924
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David Ball Jun 20, 1925
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Gustavus James Simmons
Jul 11, 1927
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Everett Adams Jul 27, 1927
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Edward Hensley Aug 16, 1927
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Ell Watkins Jun 27, 1932
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Virginia Department of Prohibition are honored on badge.nw.
