James William Bailey, a 32-year-old male, was an officer with the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina. On November 13, 1906, Officer Bailey was shot and killed while searching for a suspect who had murdered Officer Charles Blackstock and three other men without provocation. The incident occurred near Pack Square, where a gunfight ensued between Officer Bailey and the suspect.
During the confrontation, Officer Bailey attempted to take cover behind a utility pole, but the suspect's shot went through the pole and struck him in the head.
The suspect, identified as Will Harris, was one of North Carolina's most notorious outlaws. Harris had previously escaped from two different chain gangs and had recently escaped from the state penitentiary in Raleigh, where he was serving a sentence for killing a man who refused to share his whiskey with him. After the shooting, Harris fled the scene, but the governor of North Carolina mobilized the local National Guard company to assist in the search for the killer. The city also organized a posse to pursue the suspect and was loaned rifles from Finkelstein's pawn shop downtown.
Two days after Officer Bailey's death, the posse tracked down Harris and engaged in a shootout with him in a swamp outside Asheville. Harris was killed in the shootout, bringing an end to the manhunt. Officer Bailey was survived by his wife and three children. His ultimate sacrifice was honored by the community, and his memory continues to inspire those who knew him.
Officer James William Bailey's death was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the early 20th century. His bravery and dedication to keeping the citizens of Asheville safe are remembered and celebrated to this day.
