Deputy Constable James Turner was shot and killed when attempting to serve an arrest warrant.

Deputy Constable Turner was shot and killed by the man who had recently defeated him in the city marshal election. After an altercation between the city attorney, O.A. Daniels, and the new City Marshal, Edward Greasy, an arrest warrant was issued on the Marshal Edward Greasy for assault, to be served by Deputy Constable Turner. After Deputy Turner approached Marshal Greasy at the corner of Main and Fir Streets, Greasy refused arrest. As Deputy Turner read the warrant, Marshal Greasy fired two shots, one killed an innocent bystander and the second struck Turner in the forearm. Three other shots quickly followed striking Deputy Turner in the breastbone and chest between the third and fourth rib.

Deputy Constable Turner has served over 20 years as Marshal of Piedmont and Benton Township Constable. He was a widower and was survived by his children. Interred: Masonic Cemetery, Piedmont, Missouri.