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Incident
Sheriff John Poag was shot and killed by a mob of masked men who entered his jail for the purpose of liberating a murder suspect. The sheriff's order that the men leave was met with a refusal, whereupon Sheriff Poag fired, wounding one man. The mob returned fire killing the sheriff, and then left without the prisoner.
Eventually 13 men were charged with Sheriff Poag's murder. Newspapers of that day reported that most if not all escaped punishment.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Poag served with the Tate County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Senatobia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Poag.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tate County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1905, 2 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
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
John was 47. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41.
John was 47. 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.
John was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 7.8% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Wednesdays: 16.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Tate County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Tate County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tate County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.