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Incident
On March 13, 1884, Jack County Deputy Sheriff J.E. Richardson shot and killed a man named Caleb, Cale, Parrott. William King was the sheriff at the time Richardson killed Parrott. On Friday, July 17, 1885, William King was riding his horse on the street in front on Crutchfield's Saloon in Jacksboro. Floyd Parrott and Trammell Hickman stepped out of the saloon. Floyd Parrott drew his pistol and shot King, killing him instantly.
Floyd Parrott was apparently still upset about the death of his brother, and shot King in retaliation. Sheriff King did not arrest Deputy Richardson at the time of the shooting. Richardson was later indicted and tried in Young County on a change of venue for the killing of Cale Parrott. The court records have since been lost.
Floyd Parrott and Trammell Hickman were indicted for the murder of William King. In January 1886, Floyd Parrott was found not guilty by a Jack County jury. The charges against Trammell Hickman were dismissed at the request of the district attorney for lack of sufficient evidence.
William M. King was elected sheriff of Jack County on November 2, 1880 and re-elected on November 7, 1882 and served until 1884 when his term of office ended. King was survived by his wife Paradine. They had eight children. William King and his wife Paradine are buried in the King Cemetery, Jack County, Texas.
Survivors
King was survived by his wife Paradine.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
141 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff King gave the Jack County Sheriff's Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jacksboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jack County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 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 1885, 17 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1885, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1885, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 41. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 41. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 41. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Jack County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% 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
Jack County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jack County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.