Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal John Silcox was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk man who was causing a disturbance at his home in Shelby City.
When Marshal Silcox told the man if he caused any more disturbance he would be taken to the jail the man drew his pistol and shot him. After falling to the ground, Marshal Silcox returned fire, but was shot several more times by the man.
The subject was convicted of Marshal Silcox's murder and sentenced to only three years in prison. He was pardoned by the governor in 1896.
Marshal Silcox was a Confederate Army veteran of the Civil War.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, three sons, and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-9A1FB412- 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.
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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.
Marshal Silcox served with the Shelby City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Junction City 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
John B. Silcox served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Marshal John B. Silcox 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John B. Silcox's cause is highlighted.
How John B. Silcox Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1896
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John B. Silcox is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John B. Silcox was killed by handgun.