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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Lum and Sheriff Charles Buck were shot and killed as they attempted to serve a warrant for murder.
The suspect had murdered the county clerk two years prior and had been wanted since. Sheriff Buck received information that he was at a home approximately three miles north of Port Gibson on the Grand Gulf Road.
The suspect opened fire on the deputies, killing Deputy Lum and mortally wounding Sheriff Buck. The suspect escaped and remained at large for 34 years until being arrested in July 1911.
Sheriff Buck succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Deputy Lum was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Lum 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
148 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Lum served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Port Gibson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Claiborne County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1878, 2 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1878, 51 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1878, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
November holds 6.2% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Wednesdays: 16.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Claiborne County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16% 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
Claiborne County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
