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Incident
Posseman Fletcher Smith was shot and killed as he and other possemen attempted to arrest a gang of horse thieves near Greenwood.
When the posse told the thieves they were under arrest the thieves drew their pistols and opened fire. Most of the posse retreated but Posseman Smith stood his ground. One of the thieves obtained a Winchester rifle and continued firing, striking Posseman Smith in the stomach.
Two brothers were arrested by the Tarrant County sheriff and charged with Posseman Smith's murder.
Posseman Smith, who was a local doctor, had been deputized to ride with the posse.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
142 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Posseman Smith served with the Wise County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Decatur community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wise County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Fletcher is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Fletcher is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Fletcher 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 1884, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1884, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1884, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Fletcher was 33. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Fletcher had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Fletcher was 33. 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. Fletcher had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fletcher was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fletcher had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Wise County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 1.2% 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.
His people
Wise County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Fletcher among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Wise County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
