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Incident
Location: Missouri Incident Date: Tuesday, February 11, 1919 Weapon: Handgun Offender: Sentenced to 10 years
Watchman Edward Bell succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was patrolling the switch yards on the Missouri side of the Missouri Pacific bridge over the Kaw River when he was attacked by two brothers and shot in the abdomen. Another watchman who was in the yards shot and wounded one of the subjects.
Watchman Bell was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Both men were arrested and charged with Watchman Bell's murder. One of the subjects was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years. After two mistrials the other subject was convicted of fourth degree manslaughter and sentenced to two years.
Watchman Bell was survived by his wife. He is buried at Mount Saint Mary's Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
Survivors
Watchman Bell was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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NW-RM35-8FV2-Wearlier record number BO-US-RR-0040DBAE- Stewardship
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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.
Watchman Bell served with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Watchman Bell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 2 officers at Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1919, 15 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 44. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 38.5 and 54; the middle age was 44.
Edward was 44. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
Edward was 44. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Edward was 44. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 42.9% of these deaths at Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 28.6%.
February holds 8.9% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 42.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
