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Incident
Deputy Bill Lewis was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest man wanted for murdering Deputy James Stubblefield two months earlier.
Both were killed as a result of the Philpott-Griffin Feud. Their killer, Mart Smith, was reportedly shot and killed by another famous feudist, General May, in Knox County in 1909. As a result of the Philpott-Griffin Feud several men including law enforcement were killed in 1899.
It is important to note that many feuds occurred in Kentucky, and information about officers who lost their life as a result of them, is often confusing, contradictory, and refuted by others.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis served with the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Manchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clay County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Bill is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Bill is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Bill 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 1899, 2 officers at Clay County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1899, 10 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1899, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1899, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 12.5% of these deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Office; December holds the most, 12.5%. Saturdays: 37.5%.
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 88.9% of all 9 deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Clay County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, Bill among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
