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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Julian E. Howard responded to a shot being fired in a billiard hall in Alba, Texas. Deputy Sheriff Jim Shoemaker was in the billiard hall, owned by W. F. Holmes, serving papers when the first shot was fired. When Deputy Howard entered the billiard hall a shootout followed. Deputy Howard was shot in the chest, with a bullet from a rifle, killing him instantly. Deputy Howard did manage to shoot Holmes in the thigh.
W. F. Holmes, aka: "Fletcher' and "Fletch," and C. C. "Kit" Holmes were charged with the murder of Deputy Howard. On December 15, 1906, a trial resulted in a "hung jury." On December 8, 1908, the cases against both men were both dismissed on a motion made by the Wood County District Attorney.
Howard was survived by his wife, Jennie. They had been married since May 20, 1900. No cemetery records or the burial location have been found.
W. F. Holmes, aka: "Fletcher' and "Fletch," and C. C. "Kit" Holmes were charged with the murder of Deputy Howard. On December 15, 1906, a trial resulted in a "hung jury." On December 8, 1908, the cases against both men were both dismissed on a motion made by the Wood County District Attorney.
Survivors
Howard was survived by his wife, Jennie.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Howard served with the Wood County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Quitman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Howard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wood County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Julian is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Julian is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Julian is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1905, 1 officer at Wood County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1905, 13 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1905, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1905, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Julian was 21. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Wood County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 50; the middle age was 35.
Julian was 21. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Julian was 21. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Julian was 21. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Wood County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 40%. Mondays: 40%.
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Wood County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Wood County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Julian among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Wood County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
