Officer’s 1910 Sacrifice Being Remembered by Philadelphia PD; Searching for Relatives of the Rowlandsville Man

Chief Inspector James Tiano of the Philadelphia Police Department and his staff are trying to locate the relatives of Officer George Barnett, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 28, 1910. A plaque-dedication honoring his sacrifice is set for July 22 at 42nd and Pine streets, West Philadelphia, where he died. Anyone with information about any family members is asked to call Inspector Tiano at 215-685- 3655.

Policeman Barnett was shot and killed while attempting to question a suspicious man he suspected of being involved in a burglary. The officer, who was in plainclothes, approached the man and told him to take his hands out of his pockets. As the man complied he suddenly produced a revolver and shot the officer. Despite being mortally wounded, the policeman returned fire and shot and killed the suspect.

The Philadelphia Police Department has developed the following information: George’s death certificate lists his parents as George and Annie. When George’s son Harry registered for the draft during World War I, he reported that his father was born in Rowlandsville. The 1870 census lists a family group in “Rowland ville” that is probably his family — a year before he was born: George Barnett, 32, laborer, born Penna; Ann Barnett, 27, keeping house, born Penna; Mary Barnett, 5, born Maryland; and William Barnett, 1, born Maryland

There were several Barnett families in the vicinity of Rowlandsville and we lose trace of the above-listed family after 1870.

Officer George Barnett’s death certificate lists his name as “George Mc. Barnett.” Plaque dedication information: