When a man sacrifices his life serving and protecting a community, it’s never too late to honor his memory.
It’s been 90 years since Oxford Village nightwatchman John ‘Jay? Gould was killed in the line of duty.
Last week, his grave in the Oxford Township cemetery on the south side of W. Burdick St. was finally properly marked with a headstone.
‘It’s about time. That really sums it up,? said Oxford Village Police Sgt. Mike Solwold, who spearheaded the effort to obtain the headstone. ‘I wish I would have done it a lot sooner. It’s something that was way overdue and needed to be done.?
Efforts to secure a headstone for Gould’s grave began in the 1990s with now-retired Oxford Police Capt. James Malcomb. Solwold picked up the torch and worked closely with Malcomb to finish the job.
‘It looks outstanding,? Solwold said. ‘I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m just in awe. It looks fantastic.?
Before the headstone’s placement, there was nothing to indicate this little patch of earth was Gould’s final resting place, nothing to inform visitors how he died, nothing to show his place in Oxford history.
Gould served as the village’s nightwatchman from April 14, 1924 until Feb. 13, 1925 when while making his rounds, the Leader reported he was ‘shot down in cold blood? at 3 a.m. near the Oxford Savings Bank (now the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum) at the corner of Washington and Burdick streets.
‘He received the full charge (of No. 6 birdshot from) a shotgun in the left side and died almost instantly,? the Leader reported.
It’s believed the 52-year-old Gould was shot because he either prevented ‘a contemplated (bank) robbery? or ‘surprised a gang of bootleggers who drove into the village,? according to the Leader article.
His death certificate lists his cause of death as ‘shot by thugs.?
The stolen car driven by Gould’s killers was found south of Goodison, but the occupants were never located despite a thorough search of the area.
Although his killers were never brought to justice, perhaps Gould can now rest a little easier knowing the memory of his sacrifice is now permanently etched in black stone for all to see for generations to come.
Solwold wished to recognize everyone who donated to the headstone project ? American Legion Post 108, former village attorney Bob Bunting, Oxford Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Oxford. Huntoon Funeral Home handled the process of obtaining and placing the stone.
‘If it wasn’t for the contributions of the people that I mentioned, it wouldn’t have happened as soon as it did,? the sergeant said. ‘It’s very much appreciated.?
Solwold is in the midst of organizing a ceremony to take place beside Gould’s grave on Tuesday, May 12 in conjunction with National Police Week. Details to follow in a future Leader story.
He’s also working to have some sort of historical marker commemorating the fateful events of Feb. 13, 1925 placed on the museum at the corner of Washington and Burdick streets.