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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Clark was shot and fatally wounded and Sheriff Ward Allen was shot and killed when they attempted to arrest a man and his wife wanted in a contract killing. When Deputy Clark and Sheriff Allen arrived at the couples home they were ambushed by them and shot. Sheriff Allen was killed instantly. Deputy Clark died two days later.
Both suspects, along with a third man who was involved in the contract killing, were arrested and executed in the electric chair January 15, 1943.
Deputy Clark had served with the Edgefield County Sheriff's Department for 25 years and was survived by his wife and four children. His brother, the ex-sheriff of Edgefield County, was appointed to succeed Sheriff Allen.
Survivors
Deputy Clark had served with the Edgefield County Sheriff's Department for 25 years and was survived by his wife and four children.
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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Clark gave the Edgefield County Sheriff's Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Edgefield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clark.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Edgefield County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1941, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 50. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
William was 50. 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. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
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 100% of all 3 deaths at Edgefield County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 11.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Edgefield County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Edgefield County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
