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Edward William Dolby
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Patrolman Edward William Dolby was killed on July 14, 1906, when a heavy charge
of electricity surged through Circuit 7 of the police department's Gamewell call box system. Officer Dolby was in the act of insterting his key into the lock of the box at Kentucky Avenue and the White River bridge, preparing to make his hourly call, when the current passed through his body. The shock caused Dolby to stagger backward and fall to the ground. His partner, Samuel Rariden ran to Dolby and heard him gasp out, "Don't touch it!"
Seeing Dolby was badly injured, Rariden ran to the nearest telephone and notified the Police Station. When he returned, Dolby was dead. The patrol wagon arrived a few minutes later and transported Dolby's body to the morgue where it was determined he had been electrocuted. |
There were 11 other call boxes on Circuit 7, and several other policemen were badly shocked on July 14. Certified electricians were unable to determine why the surge occurred. They speculated that it was due to the crossing of the Gamewell wire and a wire on the circuit of the city electric lights. A storm during the morning of the 14th may have contributed to the accident.
Patrolman Dolby was survived by a widow and two children. His funeral took place at his home; interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Source: Report of Superintendent of Police; Indianapolis, Ind., January 1, 1907; Indianapolis Star, July 15, 1906.
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