Prev
Incident
Patrolman Ralph Henderson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained ten days earlier after ordering a man off of a portion of a city street. On Sunday, June 23, 1912, Patrolman Henderson responded to a call of a drunken individual causing a disturbance. The suspect suddenly produced a handgun and shot Patrolman Henderson in the neck. Patrolman Henderson died after contracting pneumonia and blood poisoning while recovering from the wound in the hospital. The suspect was arrested at his home by Chief Leiner an hour after the shooting. The suspect had already served three terms in the Ohio Penitentiary for assault with intent to kill, stabbing, and arson. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison on August 30, 1919, of heart disease. He was an expert carpenter who built the electric chair at the Ohio Penitentiary.
Survivors
Patrolman Henderson was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpg8xk43wrwe8h2gf8rw- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ralph. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Henderson served with the Wooster Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wooster community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Henderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wooster Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Ralph is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph 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 1912, 6 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ralph was 30. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
Ralph was 30. 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.
Ralph was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Wooster Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 24.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Wooster Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Ralph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wooster Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
