Newfane in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Constable William Carnell Gray
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 3, 2026
1. Constable William Carnell Gray Marker
(Front)
(Front):
Constable William Carnell Gray
E.O.W. December 21, 1904
(Rear):
In earlier times, local constables provided law enforcement and police services in Newfane and other rural communities. On December 21, 1904, Newfane Constable William Gray was called to a Main St. location to investigate a harassment complaint and was shot and killed in the line-of-duty (EOW - end of watch). Adding to the tragedy, another victim was also slain and the assailant later took his own life.
This memorial recognizing Constable Gray's actions to protect the citizens of Newfane is provided by the Badge of Honor Association. Through the efforts of family living in Newfane today, Constable Gray's name was also added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Erected by Town of Newfane, NY and Badge of Honor Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is December 21, 1904.
Location. 43° 16.935′ N, 78° 42.472′ W. Marker is in Newfane, New York, in Niagara County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (New York
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Willingness to Sacrifice (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roller Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail (approx. 1½ miles away); McClew Farm (approx.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 3, 2026
2. Constable William Carnell Gray Marker
(Rear)
Regarding Constable William Carnell Gray. The Badge of Honor Association (BOHA) is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers and their families across Central and Western New York. Founded in 2007 by Rochester Police Sergeant Justin Collins, the organization serves more than 25,000 officers across 28 counties. Their primary mission is assisting active-duty officers who have survived traumatic incidents and supporting the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. To preserve the legacy of local heroes, volunteers manage historical and modern memorial sign installations marking the "End of Watch" dates for fallen officers. Over 150 legacy and modern signs have been dedicated across the state.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 3, 2026
3. Constable William Carnell Gray Marker
Front, looking north.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 3, 2026
4. Constable William Carnell Gray Marker
Rear, looking south.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
