In the late summer of 1900, a tragic series of events unfolded in Platte County, Missouri, culminating in the death of Sheriff John Henry Dillingham, a 46-year-old Caucasian male. The prelude to this tragedy began on August 19, 1900, when a local physician, Dr. Sterling Price "Sturley" Harrington, attempted to murder his wife, Mary. She managed to escape and sought refuge in Platte City. The following morning, August 20th, Dr.
Harrington, in a violent rampage, shot and killed his mother-in-law, Mary Wallace, and his uncle, James Wallace, in the presence of his own ten-year-old daughter, Maude.
Following the double homicide, Dr. Harrington, who was reportedly abusing a pain killer, forced his young daughter to accompany him as he drove his buggy to Leavenworth, Kansas. There, he purchased a. 41 caliber Winchester rifle, clearly preparing for further violence. News of the murders reached Platte City by telegraph, prompting Sheriff Dillingham to form a posse to apprehend the doctor. The posse, which included Dillingham's own son, Henry, traveled the eight miles to the town of Farley, where Harrington had been seen.
Upon arriving in Farley, Harrington, with his daughter still in the buggy, entered William Wiehe's General Store. Inside, he demanded money and, when refused, robbed the store clerk, Dan Cannon, of four dollars at gunpoint. As Harrington was leaving, Cannon produced his own revolver and a gunfight erupted. During the exchange, Cannon's last shot struck Harrington's revolver, disabling it.
As Dr. Harrington stepped out of the store, he was immediately confronted by Sheriff Dillingham and his posse. Another shootout ensued, and a bullet from Harrington's gun struck Sheriff Dillingham in the forehead, killing him instantly. As Harrington stepped over the fallen sheriff's body, Dillingham's son, Deputy Henry Dillingham, took aim. After an initial misfire, the younger Dillingham grabbed his father's gun and fired three shots into Harrington's chest, killing him on the street. Following his father's death, Henry Dillingham was appointed to serve out the remainder of his father's term as sheriff.
