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George Washington Rockwell
Incident
Deputy Sheriff George Rockwell was shot and killed from ambush as he assisted the sheriff with serving a levy at a farm in Zane Township, approximately one to two miles south of Middleburg.
The sheriff spoke to the subject named on the levy and attempted to have him post a bond. The man refused, so the sheriff enforced the levy by seizing several horses from the man's farm. As they led the horses from the farm, the subject obtained a rifle and shot Deputy Rockwell in the back from a range of approximately 60 yards.
A doctor was summoned to the location and tended to Deputy Rockwell, who was moved into the man's home. His condition worsened, and he passed away the following night.
The man who shot him was arrested and charged with murder. He escaped from jail but was recaptured. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned by the Ohio governor in December 1891 with the condition that he move to California and not return to Ohio.
Deputy Rockwell was a Union Civil War veteran and had previously served with the Bellefontaine Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Rockwell served with the Logan County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bellefontaine community. Thank you 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
George Washington Rockwell served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Logan County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
George is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
George 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 1878, 2 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1878, 51 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1878, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 35. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
George was 35. 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.
George was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 9.3% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Logan County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.3% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
George Washington Rockwell served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit George Washington Rockwell’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 3-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
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