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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Nat Gaines was shot and killed by a man attempting to return to a saloon that he been thrown out of near Kennett's public square. The subject was intoxicated and had been thrown out of Summer's Saloon by the owner. He went home and returned with a pistol, threatening the saloon owner's life. Deputy Gaines approached the man and tried to take hold of his hand but failed in the attempt due to a crippled hand. Deputy Gaines was shot in the stomach by the man and died at 6:00 p.m the following evening. The man, who was shot in the thigh during the scuffle, fled and was never apprehended.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Gaines served with the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Kennett community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nat is the only officer of Dunklin County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Nat is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Nat is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nat 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 1890, 5 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1890, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1890, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
December holds 11% of these deaths in MO, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dunklin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 38% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
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