Deputy George Griffin and his father, Jailer Barry Griffin, were shot and killed by a group or men who rode into Richmond to rob a bank. The group of of 12 to 14 armed men rode into Richmond, Missouri at about 3:30 pm from various directions and met at the Hughes & Wasson Bank. Four of the men dismounted and entered the bank demanding money and that the bank vault be opened. During the robbery there was an exchange of gunfire between the robbers and citizens. Deputy Griffin took up a position behind a tree in the courthouse yard and fired at the robbers with a calvary rifle. He was struck in the forehead with a bullet and died instantly. His father, Jailer Barry Griffin, seeing his son fall charged and reached the bank door. As he entered the door one of the robbers placed a gun against his head and fired, then shot Jailer Griffin again after he fell helpless to the floor. Mayor John Shaw was also gunned down in the street during the exchange of gunfire.

Arrest warrants were sworn out in Kansas City for seven men recognized in the robbery. A posse of ten men left at about 7:00 pm and rode through the rain arriving at about 6:00 am the next morning at the house of the father-in-law of one of the robbers. The suspect saw the posse outside and armed himself with three revolvers and a shotgun. The suspect went out the front door and fired the shotgun striking Williamson, killing him nearly instantly as well as killing a little girl. The suspect then took off running into a nearby field and during a two mile chase was shot in the shoulder.

In December 1867 a tip was received that one of the robbery suspects, Jesse Cloud alias Andy McGuire, was coming to Richmond on the train. He was wanted on an indictement for murder. He was met by two officers who took him into custody. Officer McGuire took Cloud to deliver him to the Jackson County Sheriff.

Deputy Frank Griffin had served in the Civil War, Co K 3rd Iowa Cavalry, and was survived by his mother. Interred: Pioneer Cemetery, Richmond, Ray County, Missouri.

Jailer Barry Griffin was survived by his wife, Lucy.
Interred: Pioneer Cemetery, Richmond, Ray County, Missouri.