Alexander Ramsey

Sheriff Alexander Ramsey was shot and killed when he and a deputy encountered two horse thieves while traveling to Stockton, Kansas. They observed a horse trail in Rooks County and went to investigate to see if the county's most wanted man and horse thief was involved. They encountered two men attempting to sell horses, and a shootout ensued. Sheriff Ramsey and one of the suspects were killed. The second suspect was wounded and apprehended but acquitted at trial. When Sheriff Ramsey's 24-year-old wife was told of his death, she went into a state of shock and died a few days later. Sheriff Ramsey was a Union Civil War Veteran.