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William B.M. Barbee
Incident
Burleson County Precinct 3 Constable John Johnson called upon Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace William B.M. Barbee to accompany him to arrest John Carroway. Carroway was characterized by the newspaper as a notorious thief and outlaw. He was suspected of stealing a mule from the widow of John Nunn. Constable Johnson had a writ for Carroway’s arrest. Johnson and Barbee tracked Carroway to a house on Yegau Creek. They searched the house and did not find Carroway. Barbee went to search the smokehouse, and while looking between the logs was shot from inside with a rifle. The bullet grazed Barbee’s forehead and knocked him down. As Barbee attempted to rise, Carroway shot him again in the bowels with shotgun loaded with buckshot. Carroway ran from the smokehouse, but was shot by Constable Johnson. It was reported that Carroway died several hours later and Barbee died three hours later.
The newspaper reports Barbee as a respected citizen about 35 years of age who was survived by his wife and a child.
Survivors
The newspaper reports Barbee as a respected citizen about 35 years of age who was survived by his wife and a child.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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169 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputized Civilian Barbee served with the Burleson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Caldwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 3 remembered here.
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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1857, 2 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1857, 14 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1857, 17 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 35. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 3. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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, in 7% 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, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Burleson County Constable's Office - Precinct 3 are honored on badge.nw.