Circumstances of Death

Prohibition Agent Jesse Leroy Youmans and other officers were conducting surveillance of a still near Hartsville, SC.  The officers observed the still workers going about their duties and made plans to move in to arrest them.  Apparently, the still workers realized something was amiss because when Agent Youmans rose up to move forward, a still worker using a flashlight, shot him.  Agent Youmans died almost immediately.  Eight suspects were later taken into custody.

Background

Agent Youmans joined the Prohibition Unit on October 8, 1921, with an annual salary of $1,800.

Personal

Agent Youmans was born in South Carolina.  He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth; their daughter, Florence and son, Claud.