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Simon H. Clouser – Assassinated While Serving as Police Chief of Hazleton
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on November 21, 2018
On 4 September 1874, Simon H. Clouser was assassinated while serving as Police Chief of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
Previously, a brief mention was made of his Civil War service:
Simon H. Clouser (1842-1874, also known as “Simon H. Clauser,” is buried in the Clauser Cemetery, Branch Township, Schuylkill County. He received several promotions until he achieved the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant at the Headquarters of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry. His wife’s name was Sarah J. and his enrollment in the infantry was at Pottsville.
The article (shown above), from the Evening Star (Washington, DC), indicates the circumstances of his killing:
A Chief of Police Shot
Hazleton, Pennsylvania, 5 September 1874 – Simon H. Clauser, chief-of-police, was killed last night by a German named George Lapp, who was drunk in the streets and firing pistol shots. Clauser attempted to arrest Lapp when the fatal shot was fired. Clauser was an estimable citizen, a member of the Masonic order and Grand Army of the Republic. The greatest excitement prevailed and threats of lynching were made.
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News clipping from Newspapers.com.
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