Ollie Battle

David Olius "Ollie" Battle (born 1877 - died December 25, 1910) was a Jefferson County deputy, shot while on duty.

Battle, visiting his parents in Oak Grove for Christmas eve, was asked by a neighbor, Jepp Knight to investigate gunfire at the Laird homestead. The two found John Laird standing over his father's body with a gun. Laird fired at Battle, hitting him in the hip, and six more times in the back after he turned to flee. Knight, who had stayed back during the confrontation, summoned help.

Battle died the next day at home. He is buried at Oak Grove Cemetery. Laird fled with two others, but is believed to have been caught and killed by a posse.

References

• Robinson, Carol (March 17, 2007) "A century later, heroes are honored." Birmingham News