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Incident
On Sunday morning, December 4, 1927, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Cooke County Sheriff's Deputies Jake Wright, William W. Emerson, and a complainant - Mr. Autrey - went to a farm where Dave T. Wilson was living. The deputies had a search warrant for stolen chickens and turkeys. The stolen birds were located on Wilson's farm. Wilson became enraged when he saw Autrey and grabbed Deputy Emerson's pistol and shot the deputy. Deputy Emerson died from his wounds at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 1927.
Dave T. Wilson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering Emerson, 8 years for assault with intent to murder Wright, and one year for various theft charges. He was pardoned February 9, 1944.
Deputy Sheriff William W. Emerson was survived by his bride of four months, his mother, and several brothers and sisters. He is buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Block 21, Lot 116, in Gainesville in Cooke County.
Survivors
Emerson was survived by his bride of four months, his mother, and several brothers and sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Emerson served with the Cooke County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gainesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Emerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cooke County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1927, 18 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 40. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 40. 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 was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Cooke County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Cooke County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Cooke County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.