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Incident
On October 21, 1913, P. J. Bruce shot former Sheriff A. L. Board six times, killing him instantly. Bruce ran down the steps and opened fire on Baylor County Sheriff W. L. Ellis. In the ensuing shootout Bruce was shot two times and killed. Sheriff Ellis was seriously wounded. Bruce killed the former sheriff because the sheriff was with a deputy shot and killed Bruce's brother on August 18, 1901.
On August 6, 1916, Sheriff W. L. Ellis was shot around 12 noon by Stephen Brown, a prisoner, and died at 2:30 p.m. Sheriff Ellis had arrested Brown in connection with a theft from a local store and was bringing him to town. About two miles south of Seymour, Brown struck the sheriff with his handcuffs, stunning him. Brown then took the sheriff’s pistol and shot him. Brown fled the scene. A posse was assembled and caught Brown four miles west of town. Brown was shot and killed by the posse. Brown was still wearing the sheriff’s handcuffs and carrying his pistol.
Sheriff Ellis was buried in the Seymour Cemetery in Baylor County. He was survived by his wife, Ellen, and two children, Edith and Clay. Ellis was elected sheriff of Baylor County on November 5, 1912 and re-elected on November 3, 1914 and served until his death on August 6, 1916.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, Ellen, and two children, Edith and Clay.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Ellis gave the Baylor County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Seymour community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Baylor County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 8 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 55. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 3.8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 55. 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 3.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 55. 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 3.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Baylor County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Baylor County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Baylor County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
