Private John L. Williams Pennsylvania State Police End of watch: Sunday, August 22,1909 Age: 29 Years on the job: 2 years Badeg Number:N/A Cause of death: Gunfire         Born: December 19,1879 - Died:  August 22,1909 On August 22, 1909, Privates Williams, Jack C. Smith, Lucian Jones, George Kitch, and Patrick O'Donnell, were sent to the Pressed Steel Car Company plant at Schoenville, near McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, where a riotous strike was in progress. En route they were attacked by a mob at O'Donovan's Bridge, Schoenville. Privates Williams and Smith were shot and killed. Their bodies were looted of cash and other possessions. The other Troopers were seriously injured. Private Williams' body was shipped by rail for burial at the Spanish-American War Veterans' lot, Roselawn Cemetery, Pueblo, Colorado. His body was accompanied by a Trooper. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. M. B. Williams. On September 8, 1909, Superintendent John C. Groome issued General Order No. 31: "The Superintendent announces with deep regret the deaths of Privates John L. Williams and Jack C. Smith, Troop A, in the line of duty performed at McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, on the night of August 22, 1909. The unfaltering devotion to duty displayed against the greatest odds by the deceased will stand alone a glorious page in the history of the Force. While the Department mourns the loss of two men of noble fiber, this opportunity is also taken to express the highest commendation and sincere sympathy for the injured comrades who stood so nobly by them in the moment of peril." On January 4, 1920, Superintendent Groome wrote to Congressman John A. Martin, stating there is nothing in Pennsylvania law to relieve dependents of deceased Troopers." I endeavored to have a law of this sort passed at the last session of the State Legislature, but I was not successful." At 29, Private Williams had completed two years of Constabulary service.   Agency Information   Submit a Condolences Subscribe to Officer Down E-Mail Alerts Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth Darrell Thompson Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI, Community College Campus Patrol #14 darrell@policespecial.com www.sc4.edu Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer and his Department and family. May they all find peace in their hearts soon. From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.