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Incident
City Marshal Frank Abell was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a subject.
Another citizen had sworn out the warrant alleging the subject had committed a minor offense. Marshal Abell located the man at his home and told him to accompany him to jail. The subject initially cooperated but then told Marshal Abell to go ahead and he would meet him at the jail.
As Marshall Abell took the man by the arm the man pulled out a handgun and shot him. Marshal Abell was taken to his sister's home where he died a short time later.
The subject fled to the Union County Fairgrounds where he was arrested by a posse a short time later. He was taken to the jail in Owensboro to prevent him from being lynched.
Marshal Abell had only served as city marshal for eight months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and eight children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Abell served with the Uniontown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Uniontown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Abell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frank is the only officer of Uniontown Police Department remembered here.
Frank is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank 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 1929, 18 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 49. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Frank had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Frank was 49. 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. Frank had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Uniontown Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Uniontown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.