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Johnnie Harris
Incident
Deputy Constable Johnnie Harris, aged 24, had gone to Dearborn, a saw mill plant of the McShane Lumber Company, two-and-a-half miles from Saratoga, to collect some fines due by men in the area. While he was there, some men fired off their guns and caused a disturbance. Deputy Constable Harris disarmed two of the men, and turned them loose.
About 10:45 o’clock Harris was standing near a saloon talking with several other men. Suddenly a shotgun was fired from the direction of the gate and from the outside. Part of a charge of buckshot struck Harris in the back. The remainder of the charge passed Harris and lodged in the groin of a man standing near. The man died in about two hours. His name could not be learned. Deputy Constable Harris was brought to the hospital in Beaumont, Jefferson County, where he underwent an operation. It was announced by the physicians that there was small chance for his recovery. At 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 24, 1905, Harris died from his wound.
Deputy Constable Harris told police that he suspected that one of the men he had disarmed and released was the assailant. A search was conducted, but no one was ever captured.
Johnnie Harris was unmarried. His parents resided near Austin, Travis County. He was reported to have a brother living in Jasper County which is near Hardin County. Harris was reported to have been buried in Saratoga, however, at this time his place of burial cannot be located. The 1900 US Census for Travis County reported a William J. Harris, 19, but it cannot be determined at this time if it is Johnnie Harris.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Constable Harris served with the Hardin County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Saratoga community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Harris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Johnnie is the only officer of Hardin County Constable's Office - Precinct 6 remembered here.
Johnnie is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Johnnie is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Johnnie 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, 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
Johnnie was 24. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Johnnie was 24. 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.
Johnnie was 24. Of the 15,853 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. Sundays: 16.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hardin County Constable's Office - Precinct 6. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.9% 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 shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hardin County Constable's Office - Precinct 6 are honored on badge.nw.