Prev
Incident
Constable Pinkney Knox and Deputy Sheriff Henry Wagster were shot and killed near Dyer, Tennessee, while attempting to arrest an escapee from the county workhouse.
The subject had been at large for several days. As the officer, along with a third officer, searched the Dyer area they came across the subject hiding behind a tree. The man opened fire with a Winchester rifle, killing Deputy Wagster and seriously wounding Constable Knox. The subject fled the scene but was arrested a short time later after being shot multiple times by members of a posse. The subject's wounds resulted in the amputation of one of his arms.
The subject and his mother were both charged with Deputy Wagster's murder. Mistrials were the result of their first and second trial in April and December of 1915. In April of 1916 the subject was convicted of second degree murder. Charges against his mother were dismissed.
Constable Knox's health continued to deteriorate and he died as a result of his injuries on December 18th, 1915, the day after his 64th birthday.
Constable Knox was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Constable Knox was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq4d9bw1dg8fsh7bda03- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Pinkney. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Knox served with the Gibson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Trenton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Knox.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pinkney is the only officer of Gibson County Constable's Office remembered here.
Pinkney is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Pinkney is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Pinkney 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 1915, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Pinkney was 64. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
Pinkney was 64. 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.
Pinkney was 64. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Saturdays: 17.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gibson County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.6% 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 rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Gibson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.