Sheriff William Martin died from the effects of blood poisoning, which he contracted after cutting his hand while cleaning out the county jail's cesspool on February 16th, 1916.
He was taken to a hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas, for treatment but was unable to recover. He died in the hospital on March 7th, 1916.
Sheriff Martin had served as sheriff for three years. He was survived by his wife.
Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial