On June 23, 1917 at 6:00 pm, Deputy Sheriff Edward Culver was shot and killed while assisting another deputy sheriff who was breaking up a fight at the Val Blatz saloon in Drydale.

Deputy Mossbacher responded to the saloon after hearing a disturbance inside. During the ensuing altercation suspects disarmed Deputy Mossbacher of a blackjack and his revolver then shot Deputy Culver in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Culver returned fire and killed suspect William Harvey. Deputy Culver was attended by a physician at the scene, then transported by ambulance to St. John's Hospital in Leavenworth where he was pronounced dead.

Deputy Culver had served with the Platte County Sheriff's Office for four years.

Article by Brent Marchant