By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
On Monday, Nov. 2, the Elmhurst Police Department held a memorial ceremony to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of Marshal Harry Magers, who was Chief of Police in the then-Village of Elmhurst, where he was killed in the line of duty in 1920.
The event was held at his gravesite in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Elmhurst. The ceremony included a Color Guard and the playing of “Taps.”
The story in the annals of the history of the Elmhurst police department tells that just after 12 midnight on October 31, 1920, Marshal Magers responded to the area of St. Charles Road and York Street to assist residents who had been robbed by two men while walking home.
Upon arrival at the scene, Magers dismounted his motorcycle and spotted the two suspects, fleeing on foot. One of the men approached Magers and, at gunpoint, ordered him to put his hands up. Marshal Magers then drew his pistol and the two exchanged gunfire, during which time both were struck by bullets. The suspects fled but the one with the gunshot wound was apprehended a short distance away in the 200 block of Maple.
Marshal Magers was taken to a local doctor in the 100 block of Cottage Hill, who then transported him to Oak Park Hospital. Unfortunately, Marshal Magers died as a result of his injuries on Nov. 2, 1920.
Born on Nov. 1, 1894, Magers died one day after his 26th birthday.
He had enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 10, 1912 and was honorably discharged on Oct. 30, 1915. In the Navy, he served aboard the U.S.S. Kansas. Later he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from May 3, 1918 until July 9, 1919. After that, he joined the Elmhurst Police Department.
“His sacrifice will never be forgotten by those who he protected and those who have followed him in service to the people of Elmhurst,” one police official noted during the ceremony.
