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Incident
The Texas State Police were formed during the administration of Texas Governor Edmund J. Davis on July 22, 1870, to combat crime statewide in Texas. It was dissolved on April 22, 1873. On April 27, 1871, Private Robert Steen, an African American, attempted to stop T. C. "Code" Brown, son of Green Brown of the firm of Brown and Wilkerson, from firing his pistol inside a saloon in Hearne, Robertson County. As Private Steen stepped up to talk to him, Brown shot the policeman and shot him again while he was on the ground. Brown fled the scene. State Police Captain L. H. McNelly was sent to investigate the crime. His report to the Adjutant General on May 3, 1871 identified the killer as T.C. (Code) Brown. There is no evidence at this time that Brown was ever arrested or tried for the murder of Private Steen.
The roster for the Third District of the Texas State Police reports that Steen was commissioned on July 8, but not accepted until August 10, 1870 when his oath is dated. He was dismissed on November 30, 1870, and reinstated on December 1, 1870. He had served slightly over 8 months.
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- September 9, 2026
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155 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Private Steen served with the Texas State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of Texas. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Texas State Police has lost 10 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert 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 1871, 5 officers at Texas State Police were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1871, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1871, 33 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1871, 35 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 42. Of the 9 killed feloniously at Texas State Police whose age is recorded, half were between 25 and 36; the middle age was 28. Robert had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 0.4 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 42. 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. Robert had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 20% of these deaths at Texas State Police; March holds the most, 30%. Thursdays: 30%.
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 10 deaths at Texas State Police. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Texas State Police has 10 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Texas State Police are honored on badge.nw.
