Constable Orlando Wilson was shot and killed as he chased a suspect into a field while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.

On June 27, 1874, Constable Wilson was riding on horseback looking for a man who had a warrant for entering the residence of a neighbor and stealing a pair of boots and a good deal of jewelry. Constable Wilson discovered the suspect in a field and called for him to surrender. The suspect, David Hardy, turned on Constable Wilson and shot him in the head with a double-barreled shotgun entering Constable Wilson's left cheek, tearing away half his skull. Suspect Hardy fled and found his brother-in-law and a small boy fishing. His brother-in-law agreed to meet Hardy on Miami creek bridge at midnight. The boy told his neighbor and the plan was disclosed to Hardy's pursuers who then compelled Hardy's brother to show them where he was to meet with Hardy to provide him with some clothes. They took Hardy into custody and hung him from a tree. Hardy's father was also reportedly in the Butler jail for complicity in the murder.

Constable Wilson was survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and his children, Hesther Katharine, Cora Desiree and LaVerna Josephine. He served in Company A, 20th Regiment, of the Virginia Cavalry under General J.E.B. Stuart until 1865 when he was paroled. He was twice wounded, once severely, during the Civil War. Interred: Little Osage Cemetery, Horton, MO.