Roll of Honor
Incident
The Texas State Police were formed during the administration of Texas Governor Edmund J. Davis on July 22, 1870, to combat crime statewide in Texas. It was dissolved on April 22, 1873. On April 27, 1871, Private Robert Steen, an African American, attempted to stop T. C. "Code" Brown, son of Green Brown of the firm of Brown and Wilkerson, from firing his pistol inside a saloon in Hearne, Robertson County. As Private Steen stepped up to talk to him, Brown shot the policeman and shot him again while he was on the ground. Brown fled the scene. State Police Captain L. H. McNelly was sent to investigate the crime. His report to the Adjutant General on May 3, 1871 identified the killer as T.C. (Code) Brown. There is no evidence at this time that Brown was ever arrested or tried for the murder of Private Steen.
The roster for the Third District of the Texas State Police reports that Steen was commissioned on July 8, but not accepted until August 10, 1870 when his oath is dated. He was dismissed on November 30, 1870, and reinstated on December 1, 1870. He had served slightly over 8 months.
Pvt. Steen, On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas.
R.I.P. USBP
Anonymous United States Border Patrol April 27th, 2021
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-51B3A22A- 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 Robert. 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
155 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Private Steen served with the Texas State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of Texas. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Private Robert Steen 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 TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Texas State Police, 10 of 10 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. Robert Steen's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Steen Compares
Offender Outcome
Unknown disposition
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Steen is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Steen was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Texas State Police are honored on badge.nw.
