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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey, a deputy sheriff and appointed constable of the precinct, was attempting to preserve order in the courtroom of Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace J. W. McCowan in Washington-on-the-Brazos. Robert (Bob) Gooden and James Shapard pulled six-shooters and killed the lawman and attempted to kill the judge. Both men escaped. Military authorities attempted to locate them. Very little information is known about the incident or the disposition of the two suspects. Nelson Maxey had been a deputy sheriff at least since 1860.
Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey was survived by his wife, two daughters and one son. He was reported by the family to have been buried in Washington County, but no gravesite has been located.
Survivors
Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey was survived by his wife, two daughters and one son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
157 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Maxey gave the Washington County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Brenham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Washington County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Nelson is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Nelson is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nelson is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1869, 7 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1869, 33 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1869, 35 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nelson was 55. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Nelson had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Nelson was 55. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Nelson had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nelson was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nelson had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Washington County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Washington County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Nelson among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
