Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff John Polk was shot and killed by two brothers when he went to their home and attempted to arrest one of them for assault. The suspects and their mother were arrested, taken to jail, and charged with Sheriff Polk's murder. Two months later a group of men broke into the jail, tied up the sheriff, and shot both brothers in the legs. One of the brothers was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Their mother was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was later granted a new trial and acquitted. The other brother was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison on August 25, 1913, from tuberculosis. Sheriff Polk had served as sheriff for 3 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-78AF0D86- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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.
Sheriff Polk gave the Iron County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ironton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Polk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff John William Polk 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 63.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Iron 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 William Polk's cause is highlighted.
How John William Polk Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John William Polk is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John William Polk was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Iron County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
