[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E451-E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF AUGUST D. SINGLER, FORMER SHERIFF OF JACKSON 
                             COUNTY, OREGON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express gratitude to August D. 
Singler, former Sheriff of Jackson County, Oregon. Sheriff August David 
Singler was killed in the line of duty on April 23, 1913, the first law 
enforcement officer and only Sheriff in Jackson County to die in this 
tragic way. He lived with his family in Jacksonville, Oregon, in the 
``Wilson House'' located directly behind the old Jackson County 
Courthouse/Jail when Jacksonville was the county seat. He was a very 
special individual who during his short tenure in law enforcement gave 
his life in service for the citizens of Jackson County and the State of 
Oregon. His place in history is recognized because of his selfless 
service to his community and respect for the rule of law.
  August was born on May 28, 1876, in Millersburg, Indiana, and was one 
of 13 children of John and Susan Singler. At a later date the Singler 
family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where August met his future wife 
Rose Probst. They eventually married November 15, 1898 and made their 
home in South Bend, Indiana, where their first child was born. August 
watched the midwife during the birth of their first child and delivered 
the remainder of his eight children by himself. As the family and quest 
to support them grew, August decided to head west. As the adventurous 
soul that he was, he hitchhiked to Southern Oregon twice before he 
wired for his wife and three children who then came to Oregon by train. 
Shortly after arriving, August and Rose's fourth child was born.
  August performed various small jobs including selling Singer sewing 
machines and patented medicines for the ``Electric Medical Company.'' 
August was considered a ``jack-of-all-trades,'' who would go to great 
lengths to feed and clothe his family. In late 1906, August purchased a 
small piece of land in Medford on Lozier Lane. Although he knew very 
little about building houses, he proceeded to erect a two story home 
for his family.
  August was involved in many civic organizations including the Moose 
Lodge, Redmens, Woodsman of the World, Knights of Columbus, and a 
charter member of the Elks Lodge. Because of his extensive involvement 
he was known as a spirited man who gave much of himself and his time to 
the community.
  In 1909 August was appointed Constable of the Medford District and 
served four years in this position. Upon his appointment, Singler's 
reputation as keeper of the peace surfaced quickly. His exploits were 
known from Sacramento to Portland. Singler tracked criminals by 
horseback, railroad handcar, car, and buckboard--always seeming to 
capture the offenders. He was called a ``Super Sleuth,'' nervy, 
imaginative, tough and yet a gentle soul. The citizenry jokingly called 
him Sherlock Holmes.
  Throughout the years, people have heard about Lawmen of the West, yet 
none surpassed Singler in courage, innovation, and determination. 
Ironically most of his achievements were accomplished during his tenure 
as Constable of the Medford District in Jackson County. August was 
responsible for introducing the art of fingerprinting to Jackson County 
and was the first lawman to use bloodhounds in this area.
  In 1912, August Singler decided to run for Sheriff of Jackson County 
Oregon to support the needs of his growing family. His campaign slogan 
read ``Party I am Working For'' and featured August, his wife Rose, and 
their eight children. An interesting sideline to the campaign came when 
August's friends sent a campaign card east to former President Theodore 
Roosevelt.
  According to the Medford Mail Tribune's January 15, 1912, edition, 
President Roosevelt acknowledged receipt of the card with best wishes 
for August's success. He was successful in the primary election against 
a tough opponent, Mr. Emmitt Beesen, a descendent of a local pioneer 
family. In the general election, August defeated popular incumbent 
Sheriff Wilber Jones. August's term as sheriff began in January 1913. 
His term was relatively routine until April 22, 1913, when he was 
advised of the return of a 19-year-old desperado Lester Jones. His 
promising career as Sheriff was cut short that day as the result of the 
shootout with the fugitive Jones while the Sheriff was attempting to 
serve him with an arrest warrant.
  In a classic scene out of the old West, August walked slowly toward 
the two room cabin in the hills southeast of Jacksonville. The young 
desperado suddenly opened fire. One bullet ploughed through both of the 
Sheriffs lungs and another through his right hand. As August fell to 
the ground he opened fired, emptying his weapon. Each of the six 
bullets hit the fugitive, and he died instantly. Sheriff August Singler 
passed the next morning April 23, 1913, leaving behind his beloved wife 
Rose and their 8 children all under the age of 13 years old. He was the 
first law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in Jackson 
County and the only elected Sheriff.
  On April 25, 1913, with businesses in the City of Medford closed and 
flags lowered to half-mast, the last tribute was paid to Sheriff August 
Singler. The funeral procession was 12 blocks long and so great were 
the crowds at the church that only half could be seated with hundreds 
standing along the funeral procession route. It was said to be the 
largest outpouring of public grief in Jackson County history.
  It should be recognized that Sheriff Singler deserves a place in 
history. His pride for his community, concern for his neighbors, and 
leadership are still reflected in those who understand what it takes to 
preserve the peace. He was said to be a gentleman in every way, and 
carried himself in a way that demanded respect. May his name not be 
forgotten, but let him be placed among other recognized lawmen of the 
past. April 23, 2013, represents 100 years since his tragic and 
untimely death.

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