Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Stewart was shot and killed in Harlan, Kentucky while attempting to arrest a miner who was attempting to bring a rifle onto a train to the McCombs mines in Lenarue.
The man began to argue with Deputy Stewart when he was told he could not board the train with the gun. The man then pulled out a pistol and fatally shot Deputy Stewart before being arrested.
Deputy Stewart had only served with the Harlan County Sheriff's Office for two days. He had previously served as a prison camp guard in Rockcastle County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-49559E92- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Stewart served with the Harlan County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stewart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William Marion Stewart is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Harlan County Sheriff's Office, 36 of 36 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Marion Stewart's cause is highlighted.
How William Marion Stewart Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Marion Stewart is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
35 officers from Harlan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
