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Incident
Marshal Smiley was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for being drunk in public. The men had been harassing Marshal Smiley for a previous arrest of one of their relatives. When the marshal informed them they would be arrested too one of the men produced a gun and shot Marshal Smiley, killing him. The two men fled the area after the shooting.
Both men, brothers, were apprehended. On December 16, 1896, after three trials, both were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 6 years hard labor.
Marshal Smiley had been elected as marshal only two weeks earlier.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
130 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Marshal Smiley served with the Providence Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Providence Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1896, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1896, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1896, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 30. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William 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. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Providence Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
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