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Incident
Jailer Robert Johnson and Constable George Morris, of the Cameron County Constable's Office, were shot and killed during a raid of Brownsville that became part of a series of events later termed the "Cortina War."
Between 60 and 100 men, lead by a wealth rancher, raided the city of Brownsville with the intent of killing government officials and prominent citizens whom the rancher held grievances against. Jailer Johnson was slain while attempting to prevent some of the men from freeing several prisoners who were in the county jail.
Constable Morris was shot after seeking shelter underneath his home, on the abandoned Fort Brown military installation, when it was attacked.
The leader of the attackers fled to Mexico and was never captured or tried. Three of the attackers were convicted of murder and hanged on June 22nd, 1866.
Jailer Johnson had served with the Cameron County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
167 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Jailer Johnson gave the Cameron County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Olmito community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cameron County Sheriff's Office has lost 13 officers; 12 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1859, 1 officer at Cameron County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 11 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 2.
In 1859, 7 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1859, 9 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 173rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1859, 10 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 0.5 years.
Robert had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.3% of these deaths at Cameron County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 33.3%. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 92.3% of all 13 deaths at Cameron County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Cameron County Sheriff's Office has 13 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
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Robert L. Johnson Sep 28, 1859
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Matthew L. Browne Apr 11, 1892
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Santiago A. Brito Aug 21, 1892
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Samuel Cobb Apr 5, 1898
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Henry B. Lawrence Jul 31, 1910
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Encarnacion Cuellar Jul 12, 1915
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Frank Martin, Sr. Nov 25, 1917
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George Ramsey Carpenter Jun 3, 1922
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Andres Reyes Jun 3, 1922
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Lee Dicken Jun 1, 1926
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William Horace Johnson
Jun 9, 1928
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Louis Mackey Chaudoin Feb 19, 1936
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Albert Kingsley Parker
Oct 14, 1945
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Cameron County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
