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Incident
Watchman Osborne was stabbed to death while on foot patrol with another watchman on Superior Street Hill.
An intoxicated man approached the two from behind and stabbed Watchman Osborne in the neck without being provoked. The other watchman clubbed the suspect and took him into custody. Watchman Osborne succumbed to his wounds three days later.
The man was sentenced to death by hanging in June 1854.
He was survived by his wife.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
173 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Osborne served with the Cleveland Marshal's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Cleveland Marshal's Office remembered here.
John is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1853, 1 officer in OH was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1853, 5 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 182nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1853, 7 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 185th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 31. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
John was 31. 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.
John was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Thursdays: 15.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Cleveland Marshal's Office. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.4% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
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