In the summer of 1900, the city of New Orleans was gripped by a tense manhunt for a violent individual. This individual had already tragically taken the lives of two of the city's police officers, Captain John Day and Patrolman Peter Lamb, after opening fire on them with a Winchester rifle. The pursuit of this dangerous suspect would soon claim another life, that of Keeper Andrew Van Kuren. A dedicated public servant, Keeper Van Kuren served as the jail keeper for the City Workhouse.
At 45 years of age, he was a man with a family, including five young children and an elderly mother who depended on him.
The determined search for the suspect led a team of officers to a residence on Fourth Street. It was there, on a fateful Friday, July 27th, that Keeper Van Kuren, in the courageous execution of his duties, attempted to apprehend the armed man. Tragically, in the ensuing confrontation, Keeper Van Kuren was shot and killed, making him the third law enforcement officer to fall at the hands of this single suspect in a matter of days.
The loss of Keeper Andrew Van Kuren was a profound blow to the New Orleans community and its police force, a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who wear the badge. His sacrifice, made while trying to protect the citizens of New Orleans from a known murderer, left an indelible mark on the city's history. He was remembered as a devoted family man and a brave keeper who laid down his life in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of service and ultimate sacrifice.
