Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Smith succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained nearly one month earlier as he and several citizens attempted to arrest a man who had stolen two horses and a buggy.
When the posse located the man, he fled and started firing at them. The posse returned fire, wounding the suspect, who then fell to the ground. As Deputy Smith approached, the man opened fire, striking him in the abdomen. Despite being seriously wounded, Deputy Smith subdued the man and the posse took him into custody.
Deputy Smith's wound became infected, causing his death on May 23, 1891. The suspect escaped from the county jail before the trial was held and was never recaptured.
Deputy Smith, it has been 133 years since you were taken from us. New Hampshire law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH May 23rd, 2024
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NH-13678080- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Smith served with the Strafford County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Dover community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Charles E. Smith 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 NH, 23 of 59 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 39% of this state's fallen. That is 15.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles E. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Charles E. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Escaped
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles E. Smith is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles E. Smith was killed by handgun.