Grant Ulysses McCory

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire

Date/Time of Incident:
Tuesday, August 11, 1914
12:10 am

Incident to Death Duration:
Same day

Incident Location:
Public Square, Salem

Incident County:
Washington

Incident Township:
Washington

Weapon Used:
.38-caliber handgun

Suspect Disposition:
Acquitted

View all fallen officers from the
Salem Police Department

Donate in memory of
Town Marshal Grant Ulysses McCory

this Memorial

Town Marshal
Grant Ulysses McCory
Salem Police Department
Tuesday, August 11, 1914

Not Included

Town Marshal Grant McCory was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack while making his night rounds in the southwest corner of the public square.

A few minutes after midnight, Marshal McCory was in front of the Independent Order of Red Mens' building when a subject shot him in the back of the head, killing him instantly.

The 35-year-old man surrendered a short time later to the sheriff claiming self-defense.

The offender was twice indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder, but he was acquitted after a second trial by a jury in a change of venue to Lawrence County in 1915.

Town Marshal McCory was survived by his wife, two daughters, granddaughter, four sisters and two brothers.

Historical Note

Town marshals were elected to unlimited, two-year terms until 1917 when state law was amended to require they be appointed to office by the trustees of the town board.

~ ~ ~

This officer, discovered in 2010, has not been submitted for consideration as an eligible line of duty death to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by the Salem Police Department.

Personal Details

Age: 43

Law Enforcement Service:
2 years

Burial Place:
Crown Hill Cemetery, Salem