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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Mays was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two brothers at the Locust Grove Church, just over the county line in Whitley County.
The two brothers were arrested by the Whitley County sheriff and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. One was pardoned on September 18, 1924, by Governor W. J. Fields because he had tuberculosis. He died four days later. The other brother was eventually released and was killed September 28, 1937, victim of a hit and run accident. A third brother and their father were convicted of conspiracy and also received prison terms.
Deputy Mays was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Mays was survived by his wife.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Mays served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Mays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Knox County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 1 officer at Knox County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 2.
In 1922, 15 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 41. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Knox County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 33.5; the middle age was 32.
John was 41. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
John was 41. 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.
John was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 11.1% of these deaths at Knox County Sheriff's Office; December holds the most, 22.2%. Saturdays: 11.1%.
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 9 deaths at Knox County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 44.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Knox County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
