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Incident
Sheriff John Cross and three posse members were shot and killed in what became known as the "Hay Meadow Massacre", the result of a fight between two towns, Hugoton and Woodsdale, to become the county seat of Stevens County. The citizens of both towns were holding a meeting in nearby Voohees when the Hugoton Marshal hit the Woodsdale Sheriff with the butt of his revolver. A warrant was issued for the marshal. Sheriff Cross and four men he deputized, Ted Eaton, Bob Hubbard, Roland Wilcox, and Herbert Tooney went after the marshal but failed to find him. While on their way back to Woodsdale they were ambushed by the marshal and five men with him. Sheriff Cross, Deputies Ted Eaton, Bob Hubbard, and Roland Wilcox were shot and killed. Deputy Tooney was wounded but escaped. Two weeks later the Kansas Militia established martial law in the area. All six suspects were arrested and charged with four counts of murder. In July of 1890 all six were convicted of murder and sentenced to hang. On January 26, 1891, the U. S. Supreme Court voided their convictions because the killings took place in "No Mans Land", the present day Oklahoma Panhandle, where no court had jurisdiction. They were never tried again.
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Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Cross served with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hugoton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Stevens County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 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 1888, 7 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 11.4% of these deaths in KS, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Stevens County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Stevens County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Stevens County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.