Date of Birth:
1880
Date of Death:
May 11, 1928
Location of Death:
Cumberland, WY
Circumstances of Death
Prohibition Agents James Capen and Percy Epperson searched a ranch owned by Mike Soytik near Cumberland, WY. The agents located and destroyed a still hidden on Little Muddy Creek, and arrested Soytik. As Soytik picked up his coat and hat, he grabbed a rifle and began firing, seriously wounding Agent Capen. Agent Epperson returned fire, striking Soytik six times. Agent Epperson then placed both wounded men in his Government vehicle and drove to a hospital in Kemmerer, WY. Agent Capen and Soytik both died while being carried into the hospital.
Background
Agent Capen joined the Prohibition Unit on January 1, 1924, with an annual salary of $1,800.
Personal
Agent Capen was born in Michigan. He is buried in Rock Springs, WY.
Associate Artifacts
