Corrections Officer John A. Clay

Photo of Corrections Officer John A. Clay
End of Watch: Fri, Nov 24th, 1905
Date of Incident: Fri, Nov 24th, 1905
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Intentional)
Service Time: Not Known
Age: 47

Survivors

His wife Addie and daughters Mary Agnes and Margaret

Incident

Guard John Clay and Guard Allison Ephraim Allison were shot and killed during an escape attempt by inmates.

The inmates had been smuggled four revolvers, ammunition, and explosives into the Missouri State Penitentiary.

After the murders, the inmates were apprehended by citizens in front of the prison.

Three of the inmates were convicted of murder and hanged on June 27, 1907.

One of the three who was hanged was a member of the Morrison-Rosenau Gang, which was responsible for the murders of Detective Thomas Dwyer, Detective James McCluskey, and Detective John Shea, of the St. Louis Police Department, on October 21, 1904.

Information obtained from the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Agency

Missouri Department of Corrections Patch
2729 Plaza Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
(573) 526-6535

Tributes

There are currently no tributes for Corrections Officer John A. Clay.