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Incident
On Monday, November 27, 1905, Deputy Sheriffs John Sydney Dugan and John W. Wilson went to arrest a man. The suspect shot at the deputies 6 to 7 times. Deputy Wilson accidentally shot Deputy Dugan in the crossfire. The newspaper noted the man was arrested, but his name and any disposition on the case is unknown at this time. The newspaper stated the wound was not necessarily fatal. However, on Wednesday, November 29, 1905, Dugan died from his wounds. As was the custom of the time, Deputy Wilson was charged with murder and posted bond.
John Sydney Dugan had been 48 years of age just 9 days when he died. He was survived by his wife, Alice Thacker Dugan, and seven children. Three children had died as infants. He was buried next to his mother, Mary Ann Dugan, and three infant children in the Kellyville Cemetery in Marion County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, Alice Thacker Dugan, and seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Dugan served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jefferson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Dugan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Marion County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1905, 1 officer in TX was lost to accidents, the 114th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1905, 16 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 127th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1905, 24 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 125th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 48. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36.
John was 48. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
John was 48. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
November holds 5.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Wednesdays: 16.1%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Marion County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Marion County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
