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Incident
Sheriff J.E. Zachary was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man at an illegal whiskey still. Assisted by a volunteer baptist minister, Rev. T. A. Caudle, Sheriff Zachary investigated a report of an illegal still in southeast Yadkin County. Robah Augustus Baity, Spencer Lee McNeil, and Jim Brown were found at the illegal distillery. During an altercation, Zachary grabbed Baity and McNeil by the coat lapels. Baity pulled an Iver Johnson .38 revolver and shot Zachary, instantly killing him. Spencer and Brown ran from the scene but were later captured. The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to death but the North Carolina governor later commuted the sentence to 30 years in prison. He was paroled October 20, 1931.
Survivors
Sheriff Zachary was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Zachary gave the Yadkin County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Yadkinville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Zachary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Yadkin County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
John is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 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 1920, 7 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 54. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 54. 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 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 54. 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 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Yadkin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
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