Isaac Daniel "Ike" Ashburn was born June 25, 1877, and joined the Oklahoma City Police Department at the age of 19 in 1897. The veteran policeman who died last July 20, 1928 of injuries he received when struck by a taxicab while directing traffic at Grand and Broadway. His funeral procession to Fairlawn Cemetery included 71 policemen.

Mrs. Isaac Ashburn, widow of the late peace officer offered his gun for sale and police made up a collection of $50. The gun will probably be placed in the keeping of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Ashburn had served longer during a continuous period than any other man on the force. During the early days he made a reputation of keeping order in Oklahoma City's saloon district.

Ashburn had always referred to it [gun] as "My Nearer My God to Thee." It was a .38-40 caliber frontier pistol on a .45 frame, known as one of the hardest shooting guns made.

Compiled, transcribed and submitted by Marti Graham. December 2008. Information posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.

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