George W. Dillaway Jr.

DILLAWAY, LANE

Posted By: Lynn McCleary (email)
Date: 2/4/2017 at 16:09:49

Muscatine Journal Friday, December 15, 1911

Wound is Fatal to Will Dillaway
Well-Known Muscatine Man Died in Memphis Hospital Last Night --- Burial to Be in City.

Received Fatal Injury when, While Acting as United States Deputy Marshal, Party Led by Him Was Fried On by Strike Guards.

Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 15 – George W. Dillaway, 57 years old, who was shot in an affray between deputy United States marshals and Illinois Central guards on the night of December 7, died at the city hospital here last night. Captain Dillaway came to Memphis seven years ago from Muscatine, Ia, where his family is prominent.

The announcement of the death of Mr. Dillaway was unexpected by his Muscatine friends, as it was not known by them that his condition was critical. His sister, Mrs. L. L. Lane, of 418 Pine street, was present at his bedside during the past five days, having departed for Memphis shortly after it was learned of the fatal shooting. Mr. Dillaway, who is very well-known in Muscatine, received the injury which brought about his death when, while acting as a deputy United States marshal, he was shot in the Nonconnah yards of the Illinois Central railroad. The shooting, which cost two lives, was brought about through an error the Illinois Central guards and the United States marshals each mistaking the other party for strikers and firing upon each other.

Competent Officer

Will Dillaway, as he was popularly known locally, was considered to be one of the most efficient men in the government service, and for years he had been acting in a police capacity. He was an expert safe man, being able to open almost any lock and also knew by reputation and sight practically every yeggman and crook in the Mississippi valley. Knowledge, which had been picked up through years of observation, made him an exceptionally competent officer.

Mr. Dillaway went to Memphis about eight years ago and was fist employed as a deputy sheriff and latter as a United States officer. During the Illinois Central strike he was in charge of a force of federal deputies to protect the property of the company at Memphis, where many riots had taken place.

Spent Youth Here.

Mr. Dillaway was the son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Dillaway, well-known Muscatine residents. His father was the proprietor of the Dillaway crockery store, which was located on East Second street and the son was for a time connected with that business. He was reared in Muscatine and attended the Muscatine High school. Clerkship was found to be irksome by him and he gave vent to an adventurous spirit by engaging in travel and seeking the unusual wherever it was to be found. He spent some time during his early manhood in Mexico and returned to Muscatine, in the early ‘80’s. He was an enthusiastic riverman and was a sportsman who was recognized for his gameness.

The remains are expected to arrive in this city on Saturday, accompanied by his wife and sister, but no definite arrangements have been made for the funeral.