Prev
Incident
Sheriff John Taylor was shot and killed while chasing an escaping prisoner. He and a local constable had arrested two brothers they suspected of cattle rustling. Upon searching the men Sheriff Taylor discovered one of them was carrying pistol balls. When he asked for the pistol the man said he did not have one. As they reached the jail the suspects suddenly broke free and ran with the sheriff in pursuit. The man who had been carrying the pistol balls pulled out a hidden pistol and shot Sheriff Taylor, killing him. The suspect was apprehended several moments later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. On March 27, 1857, he was executed by hanging on the farm of the current sheriff in one of the last public executions held in the state. Sheriff Taylor had served with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 18-month-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsdmm4zy2nhvs0gv0zn- 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
170 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Taylor gave the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1856, 1 officer in IL was killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1856, 5 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 182nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1856, 6 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 191st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 31. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 31. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 31. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.6% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Winnebago County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
