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This is a cabinet card showing Thomas J. "Bear River" Smith, Abilene's first chief of police. He was hired on June 4, 1870, for one month, but he stayed on the force until his death in October 1870. While trying to arrest Andrew McConnell, who was accused of murdering John Shea, Smith was shot in the chest. Smith fired back wounding McConnell. A fight ensued and Smith was eventually struck in the head by a gun wielded by Miles, a friend of McConnell. After hitting Smith in the head, Miles seized an ax and nearly decapitated Smith. McConnell and Miles escaped and were captured three days later.
Creator: Forney's Studio
Date: 1870
Item Number: 228477
Call Number: B Smith, Thomas *1
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 228477
Collections - Photograph
Community Life - Community services - Police and other law enforcement
Date - 1870s - 1870
Government and Politics - Local Government - Municipal - Police
Objects and Artifacts - Communication Artifacts - Documentary Artifact - Photograph - Cabinet cards
Places - Cities and towns - Abilene
Places - Counties - Dickinson
Thematic Time Period - Cattle Drives, 1867 - 1885
Type of Material - Photographs - Format - Cabinet cards
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/228477