On the evening of his 32nd birthday, Patrolman Henry Edwards was fatally stabbed with a knife through the right lung while on duty. Henry was a 2 year veteran of the Cheyenne Police Department who wore Badge 13. Following brief hospitalization, he died 4 days later at the home of his father and was buried from the First Methodist Church.
Besides his father, Henry was survived by a bride of 2 days, a son, brother William, and sisters Bessie Mathews and Annie Davidson.
Henry's assailant, Ray H. Pressler, was involved in an altercation at the Senate Saloon where he first brandished his knife. Henry responded and gave foot chase. Pressler turned and stabbed. The chase continued into a nearby restaurant when Henry was able to subdue and place Pressler under arrest before collapsing to the floor and receiving attention.
Pressler, married with children, had a history of transience and arrests for intoxication, public disturbances, and spousal abuse. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in the Wyoming Penitentiary. He was released after serving about 11 years.
Of Henry, the Cheyenne newspaper eulogized: "Officer Edwards was one of the bravest and most efficient patrolmen…and the greatest admiration is felt for his…following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded… He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death has caused the deepest regret…"
Before Henry, another police officer had worn it 7 years, he was also wounded but survived his injuries and lived another 4 years and died from an unrelated illness.
Originally submitted by: Clint Black, Aug, 2011
Badge 13 is in the process of being officially retired as of April 2012.
______________________________________
STABS OFFICER
____________
MURDEROUS COOK PLUNGES KNIFE INTO BREAST OF GALLANT POLICEMAN.
____________
After Being Cut Officer Pursues Fugitive for a Block and Captures Him. Officer Henry Edwards Seriously Though Not Fatally Wounded.
____________
Officer Henry Edwards, a night patrolman of the Cheyenne police force, was seriously stabbed Saturday evening by Ray H. Prestler, a cook. Edwards is in the hospital with a knife wound through the right lung and Prestler is in jail.
Prestler became involved in a quarrel in the Senate saloon at the corner of Sixteenth and Ferguson streets and as a result knocked his opponent through a plate glass window and then ran. Officers Edwards and Holland were standing near by and heard the crash. Edwards saw Prestler run and started in pursuit, Holland entering the saloon to discover what the trouble was about. Prestler turned into the alley and was overtaken by Edwards at the rear of the Manewal restaurant. Edwards seized the fugitive who at once drew a long dangerous looking pocket knife and stabbed Edwards in the right breast. The shock of the wound caused Edwards to let go and Prestler again dashed down the alley eastward.
In spite of his wound the courageous officer gave chase and fired two shots at Prestler, who, hearing the bullets whistle about his head, ran for cover, going in back of the Becker hotel and into the LeBaron restaurant, where he was overtaken and placed under arrest by Edwards. Chief-of-Police Stevens arrived on the scene shortly and took charge of Prestler. After accomplishing his work Edwards collapsed and his wound was dressed in the restaurant by Dr. L. P. Desmond, after which he was taken to the hospital. While not very dangerous the wound is of a pretty serious nature and by a fraction of an inch missed the inter-costal artery, the severance of which would have been vital. Unless complications set in Edwards will speedily recover. His assailant is undoubtedly facing a long term in prison for assault with intent to kill.
Officer Edwards is one of the bravest and most efficient patrolman on the Cheyenne force and the greatest admiration is felt for his nerve in following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded.
LATER— This afternoon it is announced that Officer Edwards has developed pneumonia and is in a critical condition. A consultation was held this morning by Drs. Desmond and McCallum and it is stated that Edwards has an equal chance of dying or recovering.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 19 January 21, 1907, page 3
______________________________________
EDWARDS DYING
____________
POLICE OFFICER STABBED SATURDAY NIGHT HAS NO HOPE OF RECOVERY
____________
Was Wedded Yesterday to Miss Loretta Fisher – Edwards Makes Ante-Mortem Statement, Saying Prestler Stabbed Him Without Provocation.
____________
At 3;30 o’clock this afternoon Henry Edwards, who was stabbed through the right lung Saturday night by R. H. Prestler, a cook, is in a dying condition and the attending physicians announce that death is only a question of a very short time, probably an hour or two. The patient is reported to be in the throes of dissolution and has been unconscious since late yesterday afternoon, with the exception of a brief period of lucidity this morning.
The physicians have held out practically no hope since Mr. Edwards lapsed into unconsciousness late yesterday afternoon and since then he has sunk rapidly, and has remained alive so long only on account of his extraordinary vitality.
United in Death.
One of the pathetic incidents in connection with the certain death of the popular police officer was his marriage yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock to Miss Loretta Fisher, daughter of Clerk of the Court, and Mrs. T. Joe Fisher, an attractive Cheyenne girl.
Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher have been sweethearts for over a year past and realizing his death might be the outcome of his wound and desiring a mother for his young boy, Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher were married at the Edwards home, where the patient is lying, at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Jordon of the Methodist church officiating. The ceremony, unlike ordinary wedding nuptials, was a pathetic event owing to the critical condition of Mr. Edwards. Only a few immediate friends of the family witnessed the ceremony and the bride of yesterday will be the widow of to-day.
Makes Dying Statement.
Late yesterday afternoon Mr. Edwards stated that he realized he could not live and made an ante-mortem statement to City Attorney Dyer in which he gave the details of the cutting affray Saturday night and asserted that Prestler had stabbed him without any provocation. This morning, during another short period, he became conscious and affirmed that the statement made yesterday was correct and that he believed he was going to die. This statement will be used as evidence in the trial of the case against Edwards’ slayer.
Must Answer for Murder.
This morning at 10 o’clock the preliminary hearing of Prestler began before Judge Carroll in order that several witnesses, who were held in jail and whom authorities feared might leave town, were examined. At noon the trial was continued until Wednesday afternoon. Prestler is now charged with felonious assault but should Edwards die, as is now certain, County Attorney Watts asserts Prestler will be charged with murder in the first degree.
A Cheyenne Boy.
Henry Edwards is a Cheyenne boy, having been in this city 32 years ago, and is the son of C. H. Edwards, a Civil war veteran and a pioneer resident of Wyoming. He has been one of the most efficient and popular officers on the police force where he had been employed for the past two years.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 20 January 22, 1907, page 5
______________________________________
EDWARDS DIES
____________
BRAVE POLICE OFFICER PASSED AWAY AT 8:30 O’CLOCK THIS MORNING
____________
Possessed Remarkable Vitality – Had Done His Duty and Was Not Afraid to Die – Funeral to Occur Friday Afternoon from Methodist Church.
____________
Henry Edwards passed away this morning at 8:30 o’clock at the home of his father, Charles H. Edwards, 115 East Nineteenth street, surrounded by his relatives. The funeral will occur Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Methodist church, Revs. Jordon and Fitzgerald officiating and will be attended by the Woodmen of the World, to which society the deceased was a member.
The vitality displayed by the dying police officer was astonishing. All hope was given up yesterday morning and it was announced his life was hanging by a thread and that death was only a question of a few hours at most. But with remarkable tenacity he clung to life and lived almost 24 hours beyond the time his physicians anticipated death would come.
Courageous in life, Officer Edwards was equally courageous in facing the unknown. After he realized that he could not recover, in speaking of the stabbing, he said to his father:
“I did my duty and captured my man, and now am not afraid to die.”
The killing of Patrolman Edwards was attended by two unusual features. Edwards was stabbed on the evening of his 32d birthday, and at the time was wearing star No. 13, the same star worn by Officer James Green when he was shot and killed seven years ago (Green survived the shooting).
Officer Henry Edwards was born in Cheyenne 32 years ago and resided her almost continuously since that time. He was formerly employed as an express messenger on the Union Pacific, but during the past two years has been on the Cheyenne police force. Besides his aged father, he is survived by his widow, a bride of two days, a little son, one brother, W. H. Edwards, of Wheatland, and two sisters, Mrs. George Matthews, of Owen, Wyo., and Mrs. Hiram Davidson, of this city.
He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death had caused the deepest regret. He was a member of Phoenix Camp No. 144, Woodmen of the World, in which order he carried $2,000 insurance.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 21 January 23, 1907, page 5
Besides his father, Henry was survived by a bride of 2 days, a son, brother William, and sisters Bessie Mathews and Annie Davidson.
Henry's assailant, Ray H. Pressler, was involved in an altercation at the Senate Saloon where he first brandished his knife. Henry responded and gave foot chase. Pressler turned and stabbed. The chase continued into a nearby restaurant when Henry was able to subdue and place Pressler under arrest before collapsing to the floor and receiving attention.
Pressler, married with children, had a history of transience and arrests for intoxication, public disturbances, and spousal abuse. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in the Wyoming Penitentiary. He was released after serving about 11 years.
Of Henry, the Cheyenne newspaper eulogized: "Officer Edwards was one of the bravest and most efficient patrolmen…and the greatest admiration is felt for his…following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded… He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death has caused the deepest regret…"
Before Henry, another police officer had worn it 7 years, he was also wounded but survived his injuries and lived another 4 years and died from an unrelated illness.
Originally submitted by: Clint Black, Aug, 2011
Badge 13 is in the process of being officially retired as of April 2012.
______________________________________
STABS OFFICER
____________
MURDEROUS COOK PLUNGES KNIFE INTO BREAST OF GALLANT POLICEMAN.
____________
After Being Cut Officer Pursues Fugitive for a Block and Captures Him. Officer Henry Edwards Seriously Though Not Fatally Wounded.
____________
Officer Henry Edwards, a night patrolman of the Cheyenne police force, was seriously stabbed Saturday evening by Ray H. Prestler, a cook. Edwards is in the hospital with a knife wound through the right lung and Prestler is in jail.
Prestler became involved in a quarrel in the Senate saloon at the corner of Sixteenth and Ferguson streets and as a result knocked his opponent through a plate glass window and then ran. Officers Edwards and Holland were standing near by and heard the crash. Edwards saw Prestler run and started in pursuit, Holland entering the saloon to discover what the trouble was about. Prestler turned into the alley and was overtaken by Edwards at the rear of the Manewal restaurant. Edwards seized the fugitive who at once drew a long dangerous looking pocket knife and stabbed Edwards in the right breast. The shock of the wound caused Edwards to let go and Prestler again dashed down the alley eastward.
In spite of his wound the courageous officer gave chase and fired two shots at Prestler, who, hearing the bullets whistle about his head, ran for cover, going in back of the Becker hotel and into the LeBaron restaurant, where he was overtaken and placed under arrest by Edwards. Chief-of-Police Stevens arrived on the scene shortly and took charge of Prestler. After accomplishing his work Edwards collapsed and his wound was dressed in the restaurant by Dr. L. P. Desmond, after which he was taken to the hospital. While not very dangerous the wound is of a pretty serious nature and by a fraction of an inch missed the inter-costal artery, the severance of which would have been vital. Unless complications set in Edwards will speedily recover. His assailant is undoubtedly facing a long term in prison for assault with intent to kill.
Officer Edwards is one of the bravest and most efficient patrolman on the Cheyenne force and the greatest admiration is felt for his nerve in following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded.
LATER— This afternoon it is announced that Officer Edwards has developed pneumonia and is in a critical condition. A consultation was held this morning by Drs. Desmond and McCallum and it is stated that Edwards has an equal chance of dying or recovering.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 19 January 21, 1907, page 3
______________________________________
EDWARDS DYING
____________
POLICE OFFICER STABBED SATURDAY NIGHT HAS NO HOPE OF RECOVERY
____________
Was Wedded Yesterday to Miss Loretta Fisher – Edwards Makes Ante-Mortem Statement, Saying Prestler Stabbed Him Without Provocation.
____________
At 3;30 o’clock this afternoon Henry Edwards, who was stabbed through the right lung Saturday night by R. H. Prestler, a cook, is in a dying condition and the attending physicians announce that death is only a question of a very short time, probably an hour or two. The patient is reported to be in the throes of dissolution and has been unconscious since late yesterday afternoon, with the exception of a brief period of lucidity this morning.
The physicians have held out practically no hope since Mr. Edwards lapsed into unconsciousness late yesterday afternoon and since then he has sunk rapidly, and has remained alive so long only on account of his extraordinary vitality.
United in Death.
One of the pathetic incidents in connection with the certain death of the popular police officer was his marriage yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock to Miss Loretta Fisher, daughter of Clerk of the Court, and Mrs. T. Joe Fisher, an attractive Cheyenne girl.
Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher have been sweethearts for over a year past and realizing his death might be the outcome of his wound and desiring a mother for his young boy, Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher were married at the Edwards home, where the patient is lying, at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Jordon of the Methodist church officiating. The ceremony, unlike ordinary wedding nuptials, was a pathetic event owing to the critical condition of Mr. Edwards. Only a few immediate friends of the family witnessed the ceremony and the bride of yesterday will be the widow of to-day.
Makes Dying Statement.
Late yesterday afternoon Mr. Edwards stated that he realized he could not live and made an ante-mortem statement to City Attorney Dyer in which he gave the details of the cutting affray Saturday night and asserted that Prestler had stabbed him without any provocation. This morning, during another short period, he became conscious and affirmed that the statement made yesterday was correct and that he believed he was going to die. This statement will be used as evidence in the trial of the case against Edwards’ slayer.
Must Answer for Murder.
This morning at 10 o’clock the preliminary hearing of Prestler began before Judge Carroll in order that several witnesses, who were held in jail and whom authorities feared might leave town, were examined. At noon the trial was continued until Wednesday afternoon. Prestler is now charged with felonious assault but should Edwards die, as is now certain, County Attorney Watts asserts Prestler will be charged with murder in the first degree.
A Cheyenne Boy.
Henry Edwards is a Cheyenne boy, having been in this city 32 years ago, and is the son of C. H. Edwards, a Civil war veteran and a pioneer resident of Wyoming. He has been one of the most efficient and popular officers on the police force where he had been employed for the past two years.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 20 January 22, 1907, page 5
______________________________________
EDWARDS DIES
____________
BRAVE POLICE OFFICER PASSED AWAY AT 8:30 O’CLOCK THIS MORNING
____________
Possessed Remarkable Vitality – Had Done His Duty and Was Not Afraid to Die – Funeral to Occur Friday Afternoon from Methodist Church.
____________
Henry Edwards passed away this morning at 8:30 o’clock at the home of his father, Charles H. Edwards, 115 East Nineteenth street, surrounded by his relatives. The funeral will occur Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Methodist church, Revs. Jordon and Fitzgerald officiating and will be attended by the Woodmen of the World, to which society the deceased was a member.
The vitality displayed by the dying police officer was astonishing. All hope was given up yesterday morning and it was announced his life was hanging by a thread and that death was only a question of a few hours at most. But with remarkable tenacity he clung to life and lived almost 24 hours beyond the time his physicians anticipated death would come.
Courageous in life, Officer Edwards was equally courageous in facing the unknown. After he realized that he could not recover, in speaking of the stabbing, he said to his father:
“I did my duty and captured my man, and now am not afraid to die.”
The killing of Patrolman Edwards was attended by two unusual features. Edwards was stabbed on the evening of his 32d birthday, and at the time was wearing star No. 13, the same star worn by Officer James Green when he was shot and killed seven years ago (Green survived the shooting).
Officer Henry Edwards was born in Cheyenne 32 years ago and resided her almost continuously since that time. He was formerly employed as an express messenger on the Union Pacific, but during the past two years has been on the Cheyenne police force. Besides his aged father, he is survived by his widow, a bride of two days, a little son, one brother, W. H. Edwards, of Wheatland, and two sisters, Mrs. George Matthews, of Owen, Wyo., and Mrs. Hiram Davidson, of this city.
He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death had caused the deepest regret. He was a member of Phoenix Camp No. 144, Woodmen of the World, in which order he carried $2,000 insurance.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 21 January 23, 1907, page 5
On the evening of his 32nd birthday, Patrolman Henry Edwards was fatally stabbed with a knife through the right lung while on duty. Henry was a 2 year veteran of the Cheyenne Police Department who wore Badge 13. Following brief hospitalization, he died 4 days later at the home of his father and was buried from the First Methodist Church.
Besides his father, Henry was survived by a bride of 2 days, a son, brother William, and sisters Bessie Mathews and Annie Davidson.
Henry's assailant, Ray H. Pressler, was involved in an altercation at the Senate Saloon where he first brandished his knife. Henry responded and gave foot chase. Pressler turned and stabbed. The chase continued into a nearby restaurant when Henry was able to subdue and place Pressler under arrest before collapsing to the floor and receiving attention.
Pressler, married with children, had a history of transience and arrests for intoxication, public disturbances, and spousal abuse. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in the Wyoming Penitentiary. He was released after serving about 11 years.
Of Henry, the Cheyenne newspaper eulogized: "Officer Edwards was one of the bravest and most efficient patrolmen…and the greatest admiration is felt for his…following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded… He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death has caused the deepest regret…"
Before Henry, another police officer had worn it 7 years, he was also wounded but survived his injuries and lived another 4 years and died from an unrelated illness.
Originally submitted by: Clint Black, Aug, 2011
Badge 13 is in the process of being officially retired as of April 2012.
______________________________________
STABS OFFICER
____________
MURDEROUS COOK PLUNGES KNIFE INTO BREAST OF GALLANT POLICEMAN.
____________
After Being Cut Officer Pursues Fugitive for a Block and Captures Him. Officer Henry Edwards Seriously Though Not Fatally Wounded.
____________
Officer Henry Edwards, a night patrolman of the Cheyenne police force, was seriously stabbed Saturday evening by Ray H. Prestler, a cook. Edwards is in the hospital with a knife wound through the right lung and Prestler is in jail.
Prestler became involved in a quarrel in the Senate saloon at the corner of Sixteenth and Ferguson streets and as a result knocked his opponent through a plate glass window and then ran. Officers Edwards and Holland were standing near by and heard the crash. Edwards saw Prestler run and started in pursuit, Holland entering the saloon to discover what the trouble was about. Prestler turned into the alley and was overtaken by Edwards at the rear of the Manewal restaurant. Edwards seized the fugitive who at once drew a long dangerous looking pocket knife and stabbed Edwards in the right breast. The shock of the wound caused Edwards to let go and Prestler again dashed down the alley eastward.
In spite of his wound the courageous officer gave chase and fired two shots at Prestler, who, hearing the bullets whistle about his head, ran for cover, going in back of the Becker hotel and into the LeBaron restaurant, where he was overtaken and placed under arrest by Edwards. Chief-of-Police Stevens arrived on the scene shortly and took charge of Prestler. After accomplishing his work Edwards collapsed and his wound was dressed in the restaurant by Dr. L. P. Desmond, after which he was taken to the hospital. While not very dangerous the wound is of a pretty serious nature and by a fraction of an inch missed the inter-costal artery, the severance of which would have been vital. Unless complications set in Edwards will speedily recover. His assailant is undoubtedly facing a long term in prison for assault with intent to kill.
Officer Edwards is one of the bravest and most efficient patrolman on the Cheyenne force and the greatest admiration is felt for his nerve in following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded.
LATER— This afternoon it is announced that Officer Edwards has developed pneumonia and is in a critical condition. A consultation was held this morning by Drs. Desmond and McCallum and it is stated that Edwards has an equal chance of dying or recovering.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 19 January 21, 1907, page 3
______________________________________
EDWARDS DYING
____________
POLICE OFFICER STABBED SATURDAY NIGHT HAS NO HOPE OF RECOVERY
____________
Was Wedded Yesterday to Miss Loretta Fisher – Edwards Makes Ante-Mortem Statement, Saying Prestler Stabbed Him Without Provocation.
____________
At 3;30 o’clock this afternoon Henry Edwards, who was stabbed through the right lung Saturday night by R. H. Prestler, a cook, is in a dying condition and the attending physicians announce that death is only a question of a very short time, probably an hour or two. The patient is reported to be in the throes of dissolution and has been unconscious since late yesterday afternoon, with the exception of a brief period of lucidity this morning.
The physicians have held out practically no hope since Mr. Edwards lapsed into unconsciousness late yesterday afternoon and since then he has sunk rapidly, and has remained alive so long only on account of his extraordinary vitality.
United in Death.
One of the pathetic incidents in connection with the certain death of the popular police officer was his marriage yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock to Miss Loretta Fisher, daughter of Clerk of the Court, and Mrs. T. Joe Fisher, an attractive Cheyenne girl.
Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher have been sweethearts for over a year past and realizing his death might be the outcome of his wound and desiring a mother for his young boy, Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher were married at the Edwards home, where the patient is lying, at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Jordon of the Methodist church officiating. The ceremony, unlike ordinary wedding nuptials, was a pathetic event owing to the critical condition of Mr. Edwards. Only a few immediate friends of the family witnessed the ceremony and the bride of yesterday will be the widow of to-day.
Makes Dying Statement.
Late yesterday afternoon Mr. Edwards stated that he realized he could not live and made an ante-mortem statement to City Attorney Dyer in which he gave the details of the cutting affray Saturday night and asserted that Prestler had stabbed him without any provocation. This morning, during another short period, he became conscious and affirmed that the statement made yesterday was correct and that he believed he was going to die. This statement will be used as evidence in the trial of the case against Edwards’ slayer.
Must Answer for Murder.
This morning at 10 o’clock the preliminary hearing of Prestler began before Judge Carroll in order that several witnesses, who were held in jail and whom authorities feared might leave town, were examined. At noon the trial was continued until Wednesday afternoon. Prestler is now charged with felonious assault but should Edwards die, as is now certain, County Attorney Watts asserts Prestler will be charged with murder in the first degree.
A Cheyenne Boy.
Henry Edwards is a Cheyenne boy, having been in this city 32 years ago, and is the son of C. H. Edwards, a Civil war veteran and a pioneer resident of Wyoming. He has been one of the most efficient and popular officers on the police force where he had been employed for the past two years.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 20 January 22, 1907, page 5
______________________________________
EDWARDS DIES
____________
BRAVE POLICE OFFICER PASSED AWAY AT 8:30 O’CLOCK THIS MORNING
____________
Possessed Remarkable Vitality – Had Done His Duty and Was Not Afraid to Die – Funeral to Occur Friday Afternoon from Methodist Church.
____________
Henry Edwards passed away this morning at 8:30 o’clock at the home of his father, Charles H. Edwards, 115 East Nineteenth street, surrounded by his relatives. The funeral will occur Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Methodist church, Revs. Jordon and Fitzgerald officiating and will be attended by the Woodmen of the World, to which society the deceased was a member.
The vitality displayed by the dying police officer was astonishing. All hope was given up yesterday morning and it was announced his life was hanging by a thread and that death was only a question of a few hours at most. But with remarkable tenacity he clung to life and lived almost 24 hours beyond the time his physicians anticipated death would come.
Courageous in life, Officer Edwards was equally courageous in facing the unknown. After he realized that he could not recover, in speaking of the stabbing, he said to his father:
“I did my duty and captured my man, and now am not afraid to die.”
The killing of Patrolman Edwards was attended by two unusual features. Edwards was stabbed on the evening of his 32d birthday, and at the time was wearing star No. 13, the same star worn by Officer James Green when he was shot and killed seven years ago (Green survived the shooting).
Officer Henry Edwards was born in Cheyenne 32 years ago and resided her almost continuously since that time. He was formerly employed as an express messenger on the Union Pacific, but during the past two years has been on the Cheyenne police force. Besides his aged father, he is survived by his widow, a bride of two days, a little son, one brother, W. H. Edwards, of Wheatland, and two sisters, Mrs. George Matthews, of Owen, Wyo., and Mrs. Hiram Davidson, of this city.
He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death had caused the deepest regret. He was a member of Phoenix Camp No. 144, Woodmen of the World, in which order he carried $2,000 insurance.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 21 January 23, 1907, page 5
Besides his father, Henry was survived by a bride of 2 days, a son, brother William, and sisters Bessie Mathews and Annie Davidson.
Henry's assailant, Ray H. Pressler, was involved in an altercation at the Senate Saloon where he first brandished his knife. Henry responded and gave foot chase. Pressler turned and stabbed. The chase continued into a nearby restaurant when Henry was able to subdue and place Pressler under arrest before collapsing to the floor and receiving attention.
Pressler, married with children, had a history of transience and arrests for intoxication, public disturbances, and spousal abuse. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in the Wyoming Penitentiary. He was released after serving about 11 years.
Of Henry, the Cheyenne newspaper eulogized: "Officer Edwards was one of the bravest and most efficient patrolmen…and the greatest admiration is felt for his…following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded… He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death has caused the deepest regret…"
Before Henry, another police officer had worn it 7 years, he was also wounded but survived his injuries and lived another 4 years and died from an unrelated illness.
Originally submitted by: Clint Black, Aug, 2011
Badge 13 is in the process of being officially retired as of April 2012.
______________________________________
STABS OFFICER
____________
MURDEROUS COOK PLUNGES KNIFE INTO BREAST OF GALLANT POLICEMAN.
____________
After Being Cut Officer Pursues Fugitive for a Block and Captures Him. Officer Henry Edwards Seriously Though Not Fatally Wounded.
____________
Officer Henry Edwards, a night patrolman of the Cheyenne police force, was seriously stabbed Saturday evening by Ray H. Prestler, a cook. Edwards is in the hospital with a knife wound through the right lung and Prestler is in jail.
Prestler became involved in a quarrel in the Senate saloon at the corner of Sixteenth and Ferguson streets and as a result knocked his opponent through a plate glass window and then ran. Officers Edwards and Holland were standing near by and heard the crash. Edwards saw Prestler run and started in pursuit, Holland entering the saloon to discover what the trouble was about. Prestler turned into the alley and was overtaken by Edwards at the rear of the Manewal restaurant. Edwards seized the fugitive who at once drew a long dangerous looking pocket knife and stabbed Edwards in the right breast. The shock of the wound caused Edwards to let go and Prestler again dashed down the alley eastward.
In spite of his wound the courageous officer gave chase and fired two shots at Prestler, who, hearing the bullets whistle about his head, ran for cover, going in back of the Becker hotel and into the LeBaron restaurant, where he was overtaken and placed under arrest by Edwards. Chief-of-Police Stevens arrived on the scene shortly and took charge of Prestler. After accomplishing his work Edwards collapsed and his wound was dressed in the restaurant by Dr. L. P. Desmond, after which he was taken to the hospital. While not very dangerous the wound is of a pretty serious nature and by a fraction of an inch missed the inter-costal artery, the severance of which would have been vital. Unless complications set in Edwards will speedily recover. His assailant is undoubtedly facing a long term in prison for assault with intent to kill.
Officer Edwards is one of the bravest and most efficient patrolman on the Cheyenne force and the greatest admiration is felt for his nerve in following up and capturing the fugitive after he had been wounded.
LATER— This afternoon it is announced that Officer Edwards has developed pneumonia and is in a critical condition. A consultation was held this morning by Drs. Desmond and McCallum and it is stated that Edwards has an equal chance of dying or recovering.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 19 January 21, 1907, page 3
______________________________________
EDWARDS DYING
____________
POLICE OFFICER STABBED SATURDAY NIGHT HAS NO HOPE OF RECOVERY
____________
Was Wedded Yesterday to Miss Loretta Fisher – Edwards Makes Ante-Mortem Statement, Saying Prestler Stabbed Him Without Provocation.
____________
At 3;30 o’clock this afternoon Henry Edwards, who was stabbed through the right lung Saturday night by R. H. Prestler, a cook, is in a dying condition and the attending physicians announce that death is only a question of a very short time, probably an hour or two. The patient is reported to be in the throes of dissolution and has been unconscious since late yesterday afternoon, with the exception of a brief period of lucidity this morning.
The physicians have held out practically no hope since Mr. Edwards lapsed into unconsciousness late yesterday afternoon and since then he has sunk rapidly, and has remained alive so long only on account of his extraordinary vitality.
United in Death.
One of the pathetic incidents in connection with the certain death of the popular police officer was his marriage yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock to Miss Loretta Fisher, daughter of Clerk of the Court, and Mrs. T. Joe Fisher, an attractive Cheyenne girl.
Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher have been sweethearts for over a year past and realizing his death might be the outcome of his wound and desiring a mother for his young boy, Mr. Edwards and Miss Fisher were married at the Edwards home, where the patient is lying, at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Jordon of the Methodist church officiating. The ceremony, unlike ordinary wedding nuptials, was a pathetic event owing to the critical condition of Mr. Edwards. Only a few immediate friends of the family witnessed the ceremony and the bride of yesterday will be the widow of to-day.
Makes Dying Statement.
Late yesterday afternoon Mr. Edwards stated that he realized he could not live and made an ante-mortem statement to City Attorney Dyer in which he gave the details of the cutting affray Saturday night and asserted that Prestler had stabbed him without any provocation. This morning, during another short period, he became conscious and affirmed that the statement made yesterday was correct and that he believed he was going to die. This statement will be used as evidence in the trial of the case against Edwards’ slayer.
Must Answer for Murder.
This morning at 10 o’clock the preliminary hearing of Prestler began before Judge Carroll in order that several witnesses, who were held in jail and whom authorities feared might leave town, were examined. At noon the trial was continued until Wednesday afternoon. Prestler is now charged with felonious assault but should Edwards die, as is now certain, County Attorney Watts asserts Prestler will be charged with murder in the first degree.
A Cheyenne Boy.
Henry Edwards is a Cheyenne boy, having been in this city 32 years ago, and is the son of C. H. Edwards, a Civil war veteran and a pioneer resident of Wyoming. He has been one of the most efficient and popular officers on the police force where he had been employed for the past two years.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 20 January 22, 1907, page 5
______________________________________
EDWARDS DIES
____________
BRAVE POLICE OFFICER PASSED AWAY AT 8:30 O’CLOCK THIS MORNING
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Possessed Remarkable Vitality – Had Done His Duty and Was Not Afraid to Die – Funeral to Occur Friday Afternoon from Methodist Church.
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Henry Edwards passed away this morning at 8:30 o’clock at the home of his father, Charles H. Edwards, 115 East Nineteenth street, surrounded by his relatives. The funeral will occur Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First Methodist church, Revs. Jordon and Fitzgerald officiating and will be attended by the Woodmen of the World, to which society the deceased was a member.
The vitality displayed by the dying police officer was astonishing. All hope was given up yesterday morning and it was announced his life was hanging by a thread and that death was only a question of a few hours at most. But with remarkable tenacity he clung to life and lived almost 24 hours beyond the time his physicians anticipated death would come.
Courageous in life, Officer Edwards was equally courageous in facing the unknown. After he realized that he could not recover, in speaking of the stabbing, he said to his father:
“I did my duty and captured my man, and now am not afraid to die.”
The killing of Patrolman Edwards was attended by two unusual features. Edwards was stabbed on the evening of his 32d birthday, and at the time was wearing star No. 13, the same star worn by Officer James Green when he was shot and killed seven years ago (Green survived the shooting).
Officer Henry Edwards was born in Cheyenne 32 years ago and resided her almost continuously since that time. He was formerly employed as an express messenger on the Union Pacific, but during the past two years has been on the Cheyenne police force. Besides his aged father, he is survived by his widow, a bride of two days, a little son, one brother, W. H. Edwards, of Wheatland, and two sisters, Mrs. George Matthews, of Owen, Wyo., and Mrs. Hiram Davidson, of this city.
He was justly popular among a large circle of acquaintances in the city among whom his death had caused the deepest regret. He was a member of Phoenix Camp No. 144, Woodmen of the World, in which order he carried $2,000 insurance.
© Wyoming Tribune no. 21 January 23, 1907, page 5
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