Prev
Incident
Sheriff John Polk was shot and killed by two brothers when he went to their home and attempted to arrest one of them for assault. The suspects and their mother were arrested, taken to jail, and charged with Sheriff Polk's murder. Two months later a group of men broke into the jail, tied up the sheriff, and shot both brothers in the legs. One of the brothers was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Their mother was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was later granted a new trial and acquitted. The other brother was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison on August 25, 1913, from tuberculosis. Sheriff Polk had served as sheriff for 3 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpp38sc5ecvhad5ef3rh- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Polk gave the Iron County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ironton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Polk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Iron County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1905, 3 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1905, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1905, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 37. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.2% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Iron County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. 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.
His people
Iron County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Iron County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
