Prev
Incident
Police Officer John Baylis was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for breach of the peace at a home on Sixth Street, near Madison Street. During the arrest attempt the suspect shot Officer Baylis twice, killing him instantly. The suspect was arrested by a high constable but acquitted at trial by a judge who believed the officer was "too hasty in making the arrest." Officer Baylis was assigned to the night watch of the Third Ward but was temporarily assigned to day duty.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqhez55yy7nmcd1hq1p2- 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 John. 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
163 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Baylis served with the Wilmington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wilmington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wilmington Police Department has lost 11 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 25 officers killed feloniously in DE, 49% of the 51 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1863, 1 officer at Wilmington Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1863, 1 officer in DE was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 23 years on record. The heaviest was 1972, with 2.
In 1863, 10 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 171st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1863, 14 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 172nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 14.3% of these deaths at Wilmington Police Department; January holds the most, 14.3%. Wednesdays: 14.3%.
September holds 12% of these deaths in DE; January holds the most, 16%. Wednesdays: 16%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 11 deaths at Wilmington Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 71.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 49% of all 51 deaths in DE, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Wilmington Police Department has 11 officers remembered here, John among them.
-
John F. Baylis Sep 9, 1863
-
Andrew T. Peterson Jun 27, 1885
-
Charles W. Schultz Jan 30, 1891
-
Francis X. Tierney
Mar 6, 1915
-
Thomas L. Zebley
Nov 13, 1919
-
Mary T. Davis
May 11, 1924
-
Howard P. Atwell
Jun 29, 1926
-
Milton A. Wimbrow
Dec 31, 1931
-
Willard E. Pruitt, Jr.
Jul 7, 1944
-
Thomas P. Conaty, Jr.
Dec 26, 1946
-
Sayer R Evans
Nov 19, 2022
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Wilmington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
