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A. Mose Townsend
Incident
Constable Townsend died after being stabbed by an inmate. He was serving food and water at the Weimer Jail when one of the inmates stabbed him as he opened a cell door. He died several hours later while receiving medical attention at his parents' house. Three weeks later the suspect shot and killed Sheriff Hamilton Dickson, of the Wharton County Sheriff's Department, as Sheriff Dickson and the sheriff of Colorado County attempted to apprehend the suspect. Constable Townsend had been with the agency for eight months and was survived by his wife. His brother, Constable Thomas Townsend, was murdered in the line of duty six months earlier.
Survivors
Constable Townsend had been with the agency for eight months and 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
132 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Constable Townsend served with the Colorado County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Eagle Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Colorado County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
A. is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
A. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
A. 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 1894, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1894, 70 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 103rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1894, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
A. was 22. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. A. had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
A. was 22. 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. A. had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
A. was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. A. had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Colorado County Constable's Office - Precinct 4, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 1.6% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Colorado County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 has 3 officers remembered here, A. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Colorado County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 are honored on badge.nw.