In the late summer of 1899, the city of Dalton, Georgia, was shaken by the death of one of its own, Marshal Will Hannah. A respected and brave lawman, Hannah was killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a man named Will Jones. The incident began when reports surfaced of Jones recklessly and promiscuously discharging a firearm, prompting Marshal Hannah and his deputy to seek his arrest.
The initial pursuit of Jones proved difficult. He managed to evade capture by abandoning his horse, coat, and hat and disappearing into the woods. The lawmen searched for him through the night without success. The following morning, on Wednesday, September 20, 1899, a citizen spotted Jones in North Dalton and alerted Marshal Hannah. Without hesitation, Hannah set out alone on his bicycle to arrest him.
According to accounts from the time, as Marshal Hannah approached, two men who were with Jones fled the scene. Jones, however, stood his ground, armed with a double-barreled shotgun. As Hannah drew nearer, he reportedly made a lighthearted remark, underestimating the gravity of the situation. In response, Jones raised his weapon and fired, ending the marshal's life. The community of Dalton was plunged into grief, mourning the loss of a man described as big-hearted, brave, and generous. The local newspaper, 'The Dalton argus,' lamented that the loss of such a faithful officer was a personal blow to every citizen. The funeral for the fallen marshal was held on the afternoon of Thursday, September 21, 1899.
Online sources available do not provide details regarding the subsequent arrest, trial, or conviction of Will Jones for the murder of Marshal Will Hannah.
