Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Frank J. Knoebel
Madison Police Department
— Honoring our Fallen —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021
1. Frank J. Knoebel Marker
December 30, 1930
Forgotten valor Frank J. Knoebel gave his life for the City of Madison in 1930. Already mortally wounded from two bullets to the abdomen by a felon trying to escape custody, Frank’s actions in apprehending the man were absolutely valiant. He used his last ounce of strength and almost literally his last drop of blood. Only when the man was securely handcuffed did Frank surrender to his wounds. Frank was well known throughout the city for his good-natured personality. His bravery on that cold afternoon increased his fame. His funeral procession was eight blocks long. Newspapers intensely covered the murder and the trial that followed. The City Council issued a “Resolutions of Respect,” a few simple but heartfelt passages printed in their official minutes and in the newspapers.
Forgotten Valor
The Life and Death of Patrolman
Frank J. Knoebel
in Madison, Indiana
Erected 2018 by Officers of the Madison Police Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is December 30, 1930.
Location. 38° 44.37′ N, 85° 22.823′ W. Marker is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Beginning of the Michigan Road (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Fire Co. #2 (about 700 feet away); John T. Windle Memorial Auditorium (about 700 feet away); Madison's Fire Companies / Government Buildings (approx. 0.2 miles away); Broadway Colored School / Broadway Fountain (approx. 0.2 miles away); Georgetown (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Freedom Path (approx. 0.2 miles away); Madison Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Also see . . . Patrolman Frank J. Knoebel. Patrolman Frank Knoebel was shot and killed while questioning a burglary suspect in the basement of the Odd Fellows Hall on Mulberry Street. The 27-year-old suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in a change of venue to Ripley County. In 1933, the governor granted clemency and commuted the offender’s sentence to life in prison where he was later released in 1949. Patrolman Knoebel had served with the Madison Police Department for one year. He was survived
2. Marker detail: Frank J. Knoebel
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021
3. Frank J. Knoebel Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
