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Incident
Superintendent Robert McMinn was beaten to death with a mattock by an inmate who was attempting to escape from a work crew along the Wellborn Road, near Wellborn, Texas.
The inmate attacked Superintendent McMinn at approximately 8:00 am by striking him in the face with a mattock (a tool similar to a pick ax). The prisoner then struck him two more times on the back of his head after he fell to the ground before escaping with two other prisoners.
Two other prisoners immediately came to Superintendent McMinn's aide and shot at the three escapees. All three escapees were eventually apprehended. The subject who struck Superintendent McMinn stated the other two inmates did not participate in the attack. He was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of Superintendent McMinn's murder.
On January 13th, 1915, the prisoner was shot and killed when he attempted to disarm a guard while trying to escape from the State Plantation at Allen Farm, in Brazos County.
Superintendent McMinn was survived by his wife and child.
Survivors
Superintendent McMinn was survived by his wife and child.
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.
Superintendent McMinn served with the Brazos County Convict Camp.
Thank you for your service to the Bryan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Superintendent McMinn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Brazos County Convict Camp remembered here.
Robert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1913, 14 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1913, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1913, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 46. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Robert was 46. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Brazos County Convict Camp. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; pick ax, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; pick ax, in 0.1% 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 edged weapon; pick ax, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; pick ax, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
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