More than a century after a town marshal was killed near a street corner in Claxton, GA, his sacrifice will be
remembered with the unveiling of a plaque in recognition of his service.
MarshalWilliam A. Baggett, who was shot and killed on January 12, 1910, is the City’s only law enforcement
officer to have lost his life in the line of duty. Over the decades after he was shot to death near the corner
of Railroad and South Newton Streets, city officials – for reasons unknown – never recognized the marshal’s
sacrifice with a proper memorial.
Upon a request from the town’s local newspaper, The Claxton Enterprise, current and former city officials authorized
the purchase of a plaque that will be placed in Claxton City Hall in memory of the fallen officer.
A ceremony for unveiling of the plaque is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2017, at City Hall, 2-4 p.m.
Law enforcement officers, as well as members of their professional organizations, are invited to attend the ceremony
and reception to follow.
The memorial to Mr. Baggett’s service to the City of Claxton will be exhibited in the lobby of City Hall and
later placed on permanent display in a glass-enclosed case with other memorabilia of historical importance.
While a special invitation to law enforcement officers and organizations is extended, the October 15 ceremony
is open to the general public.