Headstone of William Messenger
U.S. Army · United States United States

William Messenger

1901

William F. Messenger served the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman William F. Messenger was shot and killed by a man whom he had argued with earlier in the day. The gunman entered the Harrison Street Police Station and told Patrolman Messenger to take back what he had said earlier. When Patrolman Messenger told the man to leave the station, the attacker pulled out a revolver and started shooting, striking Patrolman Messenger in the chest and side. A second officer, James Scully, returned fire, wounding the gunman and knocking away his weapon as he attempted to commit suicide. The gunman was taken into custody and died of his wounds the following day. Patrolman Messenger was taken to St. Luke's hospital where he died from his wounds the next day. Patrolman Messenger was a U.S. Army veteran and had been with the Chicago Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Photograph of William Messenger
Photograph of William Messenger
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Chicago Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpm0zkdm56vsd51tx5f7
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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