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Incident
Sheriff James Mastin was shot and killed when he and a deputy went a farm near Stephenville to arrest a horse thief.
After searching the house the officers went back outside. The suspect suddenly stepped from behind a tree and opened fire on the officers, mortally wounding Sheriff Mastin. The deputy returned fire, wounding the man, who then escaped. A posse of Texas Rangers located the man on September 15th, 1877, and killed him in a shootout.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
149 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Mastin gave the Erath County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Stephenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Erath County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1877, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1877, 35 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 149th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1877, 38 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 150th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Erath County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 10.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Erath County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Erath County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.