Marshal George Basore, aged 52, was shot and killed on October 30, 1906, in Franklin, Ohio. He was the village marshal and had served with the Franklin Police Department for about 1.5 years. Marshal Basore was attempting to question a man named Henry White, who was suspected of burglary. When Basore asked White to step out of the Lebanon & Franklin Traction Company station to question him, White opened fire immediately.
Despite being mortally wounded, Basore managed to shoot White in the shoulder before collapsing.
Henry White, the suspect, fled the scene but was quickly subdued by several citizens. He was later convicted of Basore's murder and executed on July 19, 1907. White had a history of criminal activities, including the murder of his girlfriend in Columbus, Ohio, for which he had been sent to Mansfield Reformatory. After being paroled in early October 1906, he continued his criminal activities in Franklin.
The incident began when a local resident, Reuben Tilford, became suspicious of White's nocturnal activities and informed Marshal Basore. Basore conducted surveillance on White and eventually confronted him at the traction station. The confrontation led to the tragic shooting that resulted in Basore's death.
Marshal George Basore was highly respected in the community and left behind a wife and child. His dedication and ultimate sacrifice are honored by the Franklin Police Department and the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
