Circumstances of Death

Prohibition Agent E. Guy Cole was on a still raid at a farm near Lexington, KY.  As the officers approached the house, without warning, shots rang out from ambush killing Agent Cole. During the ensuing gunfight, one suspect was killed and another wounded and taken into custody.  The suspects were identified as members of the Ballard family, a notorious moonshine gang.  One suspect was later prosecuted on State murder charges. Ironically, only nine days earlier, Agent Cole had been part of a posse seeking out members of the Ballard family for the murder of Prohibition Agent Robert Duff.

Background

Agent Cole joined the Prohibition Unit on July 18, 1922, with an annual salary of $1,600.

Personal

Agent Cole was born in Woodbury, KY.  He was survived by his wife.