Deputy Sheriffs Mitchell and Petts were shot and killed attempting to arrest a notorious bushwhacker.

A bushwhacker, Seder Harris, had threatened several people who had tried to capture him during the Civil War. On August 3, 1868, Sheriff Harrison Mitchell and a posse went to Harris' house with indictments for his arrest. The posse traveled 14 miles to the house and demanded his surrender. They were answered with a volley of gunfire from close range and before they could withdraw Deputies Jasper Mitchell and Horace Petts were dead. Deputy Petts received a full charge of buckshot and fell dead immediately. Deputy Jasper Mitchell, the sheriff's brother, was shot in the mouth, neck and chest. The posse continued an exchange of gunfire, suffering more wounded and then retreated without arresting Harris.

Deputy Mitchell was survived by his parents, Henry and Caroline Mitchell and siblings, Porter Mitchell, and Harrison A Mitchell. Deputy Mitchell served in Company K, 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry 1862-1865. Interred: Mitchell Cemetery.

Deputy Petts was survived by his wife, Drucilla, and his children, Alice and May, and his father Joseph. He served as a corporal in the 1st Regiment, Illinois Cavalry. Interred: Warsaw City Cemetery.

Article by Brent Marchant