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Incident
Sheriff John Payntor and Deputy Sheriff William Harville were shot and killed while trying to serve a murder warrant on two men. Sheriff Payntor summoned six men to assist him in making the arrest and proceeded about twelve miles from Stockton, on the Oceola Road, where they arrived at the house. When Sheriff Payntor and the men entered the house they found one of the men in bed. As they approached the man he fired a weapon at Sheriff Payntor, killing him instantly. He then fired at Lieutenant Harville, killing him. A third officer in the room fired at the man but the man was able to escape with others who had been hiding outside of the house. Sheriff Payntor had been sheriff for one year, and had previously served with the 6th Missouri Cavalry Volunteers.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Payntor gave the Cedar County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Stockton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John H. Payntor served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cedar County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1865, 3 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1865, 15 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 165th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1865, 16 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 168th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 41. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 41. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.9% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Cedar County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 38% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Cedar County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Military Service
John H. Payntor served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit John H. Payntor’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Cedar County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
