George W. McCammon, a 45-year-old man, died on January 22, 1900, in West Alexander, Pennsylvania. He was a Deputy Constable and a respected member of the community. McCammon was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who had threatened to free a prisoner being transported to a hearing. The suspect, a 20-year-old man, had promised to help the prisoner escape and warned that he would "fix McCammon" if he interfered.
On the morning of his death, McCammon was walking towards
the Justice of the Peace's office when the suspect called out to him. McCammon crossed the street to arrest the suspect, who then drew a revolver. Armed only with a nightstick, McCammon grabbed the suspect, who backed away. When McCammon dropped his stick, the suspect moved about 25 feet away and then deliberately aimed his gun at McCammon, firing and fatally wounding him. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by a constable and a posse about an hour and a half later.
The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. McCammon was survived by his wife and was remembered as a poultry and produce buyer who had been a respected member of the community for many years.
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