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William Washington “Billy” Withers

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William Washington “Billy” Withers

Birth
Death
7 Feb 1903 (aged 45)
Burial
Eugene, Lane County, Oregon, USA Add to Map
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William Washington Withers was elected Sheriff of Lane County in 1898 to succeed Sheriff A. J. Johnson.
On February 5, 1903 Sheriff William Withers was shot in Walton, Oregon, while attempting to arrest Edward Lyons wanted in Jackson County for stealing horses. Sheriff Withers and a deputy had gone to a home where the suspect was believed to be located. As the deputy went to watch the back door Sheriff Withers knocked on the front door.
When the sheriff entered the home a struggle ensued and he was shot in the throat by Lyons. Sheriff Withers died two days later from the wound. The suspect named in the warrant fled and jumped a train to Cottage Grove. He was located four days later by a posse after jumping a second train in Cottage Grove. He was returned to Eugene where he was tried and convicted of murder. Lyons was executed by hanging behind the Lane County Courthouse on April 17, 1903.
Sheriff Withers had served with the agency for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and son. His tombstone reads: "A place is vacant in our home that can never be filled".
William Washington Withers was elected Sheriff of Lane County in 1898 to succeed Sheriff A. J. Johnson.
On February 5, 1903 Sheriff William Withers was shot in Walton, Oregon, while attempting to arrest Edward Lyons wanted in Jackson County for stealing horses. Sheriff Withers and a deputy had gone to a home where the suspect was believed to be located. As the deputy went to watch the back door Sheriff Withers knocked on the front door.
When the sheriff entered the home a struggle ensued and he was shot in the throat by Lyons. Sheriff Withers died two days later from the wound. The suspect named in the warrant fled and jumped a train to Cottage Grove. He was located four days later by a posse after jumping a second train in Cottage Grove. He was returned to Eugene where he was tried and convicted of murder. Lyons was executed by hanging behind the Lane County Courthouse on April 17, 1903.
Sheriff Withers had served with the agency for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and son. His tombstone reads: "A place is vacant in our home that can never be filled".

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