Watchman Chappell succumbed to an infection resulting from a gunshot wound received almost two weeks earlier when he attempted to arrest a man who had fired a shot in public. On November 24, Officer Chappell was investigating a shot fired behind the Windsor Hotel and was joined by another man. They went to the railroad crossing southeast of the hotel and came across three men who said they were looking for a man with a winchester. Officer Chappell asked the men what the disturbance was about and grabbed the arm of one man who had his hand inside his coat. As Officer Chappell pulled out the hand, a revolver flashed and the ball struck Officer Chappell in the forehead destroying his left eye. The men ran after Officer Chappell fell to the ground. Attempts at removing the bullet were unsuccessful, infection set in and Officer Chappell died from his injuries on December 3rd.

Watchman Chappell was survived by his wife, Anna, four sons, and three daughters. Interred: Pierce City Cemetery.