Special Deputy Marshal James Ballenger was shot and killed in Putnam County, Tennessee, while assisting a deputy marshal serve a warrant on a local postmaster. The postmaster had been charged by a U.S. Post Office inspector with violating postal laws by stealing a check from the mail.
The deputy marshal had deputized Special Deputy Ballenger and another man to assist with serving the warrant. As they approached the man he opened fire, killing Special Deputy Ballenger.
