Roll of Honor
Incident
Ed Weatherford pulled a pistol on Charlie Walker, an African American man, who was playing the harp before a group of African Americans at the train station in the Hyatt community in Tyler County, and demanded Walker start dancing. Deputy Sheriff Laurence Edwards and a private citizen, John Bowers, came along, and Deputy Edwards asked Weatherford, “Ed, give up your pistol;” and Weatherford said, “Go on, I’m not going to hurt anybody.” Edwards replied, “You know I am an officer, and it is my duty;” and said to Bowers, “Jack, help me to take the pistol.” Weatherford said, “Go on, Jack, I’m not going to hurt anybody.” Deputy Edwards told Weatherford again, “You know it is my duty.” Bowers then placed his hands on Weatherford’s shoulder, and was pushed back several times. Weatherford pointed his pistol at Bowers, and Bowers said, “Don’t do that,” as Weatherford shot Bowers in the stomach. Bowers put his hands on his stomach and walked off. Deputy Edwards grabbed Weatherford’s right arm and left shoulder, but Weatherford reached around and shot Deputy Edwards. Edwards fell, and Weatherford struck him on the head with his pistol two or three times. As Weatherford fled he said, “I told you to let me alone.” Bowers died on March 18, 1891. There is no personal information on John “Jack” Bowers.
Weatherford was convicted of murder in the second degree, and he was sentenced to 25 years in the state penitentiary. Weatherford appealed on district attorney misconduct, and the case was reversed and remanded. It is unknown if Weatherford was retried for the murder of Bowers.
Deputy Bowers is buried in Sumpter Cemetery, Groveton, Trinity County, Texas.
Heroes live forever, Deputy Bowers, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Tyler County and the great State of Texas.
Greater Houston C.O.P.S. March 18th, 2013
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
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Deputized Civilian Bowers served with the Tyler County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Woodville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputized Civilian John F. Bowers is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,461 of 2,422 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.3% of this state's fallen. That is 60.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Tyler County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John F. Bowers's cause is highlighted.
How John F. Bowers Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John F. Bowers is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John F. Bowers was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tyler County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
