City Marshal Ben J. Hill, age 28, was a male of Caucasian ethnicity who served the Blossom, Texas Police Department. On the evening of October 18, 1902, Marshal Hill was at a church festival in the Lamar County community when he attempted to arrest John Harris for shooting at another man. Harris turned and fired three times, hitting Hill in the right ankle, with one bullet going wild and the third piercing the pit of Hill's stomach, which proved to be fatal.
Despite his injuries, Hill
managed to survive until 2:30 a.m. on October 19, 1902, but he succumbed to his wounds. Harris, along with his accomplices Will Harris and Nelson Taylor, initially escaped but were later arrested. Harris was convicted of murder and subsequently executed on December 19, 1902.
Marshal Hill was survived by his wife and three children. He was laid to rest at the Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Blossom, Texas. The badge displayed on his memorial was his actual badge, symbolizing his dedication and service to the community.
The tragic death of Marshal Ben J. Hill was a significant event in Blossom, Texas, and his legacy continues to be honored by his family and the community. His story is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
