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Incident
Sheriff Milton Stephens was shot and killed by two horse thieves he had arrested and who he was taking to jail. The two had been arrested in Nolensville and were held there until the arrival of Sheriff Stephens. The sheriff and the two youths left Nolensville to return to the jail in Franklin but never arrived. Sheriff Stephens was found on the Wilson Pike the next morning suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed that the suspects disarmed Sheriff Stephens of his pistol and rifle and shot him. They then stole the weapons and buggy. Both suspects were apprehended five days later. On March 18, 1920, one was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to two to 10 years. The other suspect was acquitted. Sheriff Stephens had been elected to the position the previous year. He was survived by seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife.
Survivors
He was survived by seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Sheriff Stephens gave the Williamson County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Stephens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Williamson County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Milton is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Milton is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Milton 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 1919, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Milton was 74. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Milton had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Milton was 74. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Milton had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Milton was 74. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Milton had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Fridays: 14.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Williamson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Williamson County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Milton among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Williamson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
