Prev
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
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpxewc7rj87tth7pz4ht- 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 Silas. 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Silas is the only officer of Cosmopolis Police Department remembered here.
Silas is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
Silas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Silas is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1901, 1 officer in WA was killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Silas was 57. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41.
Silas was 57. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Silas was 57. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 11.8% of these deaths in WA, more than any other month. Fridays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Cosmopolis Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Cosmopolis Police Department are honored on badge.nw.