Headstone says death date is October 15, 1896, but that is the burial date. Newspaper accounts report that he was slain on October 14.

City record from sexton says R. M. Adams died age 49 on First Avenue in Columbus, having been shot and killed in the line of duty as a policeman, and buried October 15, 1896 in Lot 1216 1/2 of Section 2, sexton Jesse Alexander Beard.

Columbus Daily Enquirer-Sun for Thursday, October 15, 1896 (this is the morning local newspaper -- the Ledger was published in the evening) says YESTERDAY'S TRAGEDIES. For several hours yesterday afternoon the entire city was in terror, and rumors of blood and murder fast followed rumors, to be confirmed later as horrible facts. First came the shocking announcement that White, a crazy shoemaker, had brutally murdered Policeman Adams. Later Policemen Jackson and Roberts and ex-Policeman Pickett were added to his list of victims.

Same for Friday, October 16, 1896, page 5 says "DICK" ADAMS. Officer R. M. Adams, or "Dick" Adams, as he was familiarly called by his friends, was one of the best men in Columbus. He was a perfect gentleman, and an upright citizen, holding the esteem of all who knew him. No nobler heart ever beat in human breast than his, and he was the light and sunshine of his home. He was true to his friends, and he never passed the stranger in distress. It is a pity that such a good man as "Dick" Adams should be taken away in so tragic a manner. He leaves a wife and two children, Mrs. John R. Jones and Mrs. J. E. Munn, both of this city.

Richard Adams married December 5, 1865 in Russell County, AL, to Mat. Owsley.

Daughter: Clara B. Adams married June 8, 1893 in Muscogee County, GA, to John Edmond Munn.

∼Officer Adams and Officer William Jackson were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on a disorderly conduct warrant at a saloon at the corner of 13th Street and 1st Avenue. During the arrest the suspect and his son both opened fire, fatally wounding both officers.

The two men fled to their home on 16th Street, being chased by an angry mob. The mob surrounded the house but were held off by arriving officers. As the officers attempted to enter the house the two suspects opened fire on them, killing Officer Charlie Roberts and wounding a former police officer who was assisting.

The mob of citizens then stormed the house and shot the father, dragged him into the front yard, set his body on fire, and continued to shoot him. The son was able to flee the home and went to Alabama where he was arrested. He was returned to Georgia and hanged for his part in the murders.

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Contributor #48034997 Bob Lamb says on August 22, 2021 that Dick's parents are #7945294 William Shadrack Adams and #7945504 Missouri Jane Adams, her obituary mentions son R. M. Adams of the local police force

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Related Line of Duty Deaths

Police Officer William Jackson

Columbus Police Department, GA

EOW: Wednesday, October 14, 1896

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Police Officer Charlie J. Roberts

Columbus Police Department, GA

EOW: Wednesday, October 14, 1896

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Murdered by Henry White.