Deputy Sheriff William H. Farra, aged 53, was shot and killed on November 29, 1909, in Gettysburg, Ohio. He was serving with the Darke County Sheriff's Office at the time of his death. Farra and the sheriff had gone to a house near Gettysburg to serve a lunacy warrant on a man. Upon their arrival, the man shot his mother and threatened the officers. The sheriff left to get help and retrieve a firearm, leaving Farra behind to guard the house. The suspect confronted Farra and shot him five times, killing him. The suspect then drove to a neighbor's home and shot a couple before committing suicide. The female neighbor later died from her wounds.
Farra had served with the Darke County Sheriff's Office for four years and was survived by his wife and two sons. The suspect, identified as Clyde Weaver, had murdered his mother before killing Farra. Weaver then shot himself after killing the couple at the neighbor's home.
The incident was a tragic end to Farra's career, and he is remembered for his dedication and sacrifice. His death was a result of a violent confrontation with a suspect who had already committed a murder and was threatening the officers.
