Richard P. Ryan

The Homicide at Ophir Canyon

Reese River Reveille

September 4, 1867

By the arrival of the stage from Ophir canyon last evening, we are enabled to give an account of the circumstances attending the killing of Richard P. Ryan on Saturday last. Our information is derived from a letter written by an intelligent resident of Ophir canyon, and may be relied upon as correct.

Richard P. Ryan was killed by William Taaddle under the following circumstances.

The brothers Taaddle were indebted to Smith Bros. and others in the canyon, and as it was believed they had left for Salt Lake, Constable Shield was sent after them and brought them back. On their return to the canyon an attempt was made to levy on two mules in the possession of the Taaddles, but William Taaddle threatened to shoot the constable if he interfered with the animals. Shield then crossed the road and entered Smith’s saloon and called on Ryan for assistance. At first, Ryan declined to go, but when the constable called on him as one of a posse, he said that if he was deputed he would seize the mules without help.

Ryan was the deputed constable by Justice Doplin. Writ in hand, he crossed the road and took the mules from Robert Taaddle and led them a short distance up the road, when William Taaddle came out of a store and calling on Ryan to let the mules alone he drew a revolver and fired at him. Ryan, who had a pistol in his hand, returned the fire, and several shots were fired without effect. Taaddle had retreated behind the door of the store, and as Ryan moved down the road apparently to get a sight at him, he fired while in a crouching position. Ryan remarked and walking a few paces he fell and almost instantly expired. The ball passed through the upper part of his right arm and thence into his breast.

During the excitement the brothers Taaddle made their escape, but they were pursued and captured the next day.

Plaque Location & Image

Center Wall Column 2 Row D     View The Plaque