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Incident
Watchman John Batts was killed when he was struck multiple times in the back of the head after leaving his box on Shippen Street (present-day Bainbridge Street) near Third Street.
The subject was arrested a short time later after he attempted to break into a woman's home. The subject was taken to the lockup where it was discovered he had escaped from an insane asylum the previous day.
The man was declared insane and unable to stand trial for Watchman Batts' murder. The subject died while at Moyamensing Prison on November 26th, 1840.
Watchman Batts had served with the Southwark Police Department for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and predeceased by a young daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
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Tributes
188 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Batts gave the Southwark Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphiap 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 Southwark Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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 1838, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1838, 8 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 176th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1838, 15 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 169th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 70. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 70. 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 had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 70. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June 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 Southwark Police Department. The weapon recorded was blunt object; lumber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object; lumber, in 0.3% 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 blunt object; lumber, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object; lumber, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
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