In the crisp autumn of 1909, a dedicated officer of the Joplin Police Department, Patrolman William Smith, would unknowingly walk his final beat. On November 15th, the 42-year-old patrolman was actively involved in a city-wide effort to clean up Joplin's image, a campaign spurred by the impending arrival of the famed evangelist Billy Sunday. As part of these efforts, Smith, alongside his partner Officer Tim Graney, conducted a raid on a known house of prostitution located at 802 Main Street.
The raid resulted in the arrest of a woman named Jessie Schmulback.
As the officers escorted their prisoner from the establishment, the situation escalated dramatically. Waiting outside was Jessie's husband, William Schmulback, who was not about to let his wife be taken without a fight. In a sudden and violent confrontation, Schmulback produced a handgun and began firing at the two officers. Both men were struck by the gunfire. Patrolman Smith suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and tragically succumbed to his injuries, his life cut short in the line of duty.
The brazen attack on the officers sparked a manhunt for William Schmulback. He managed to evade capture for two years, but justice eventually caught up with him. After his apprehension, Schmulback was tried and sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Patrolman Smith. However, the legal saga did not end there. Two years into his sentence, Schmulback was granted a new trial. In a turn of events that likely stunned the community and the law enforcement brethren of the fallen officer, he was subsequently released from custody. Patrolman William Smith was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.
