Prev
Incident
Ed Weatherford pulled a pistol on Charlie Walker, an African American man, who was playing the harp before a group of African Americans at the train station in the Hyatt community in Tyler County, and demanded Walker start dancing. Deputy Sheriff Laurence Edwards and a private citizen, John Bowers, came along, and Deputy Edwards asked Weatherford, “Ed, give up your pistol;” and Weatherford said, “Go on, I’m not going to hurt anybody.” Edwards replied, “You know I am an officer, and it is my duty;” and said to Bowers, “Jack, help me to take the pistol.” Weatherford said, “Go on, Jack, I’m not going to hurt anybody.” Deputy Edwards told Weatherford again, “You know it is my duty.” Bowers then placed his hands on Weatherford’s shoulder, and was pushed back several times. Weatherford pointed his pistol at Bowers, and Bowers said, “Don’t do that,” as Weatherford shot Bowers in the stomach. Bowers put his hands on his stomach and walked off. Deputy Edwards grabbed Weatherford’s right arm and left shoulder, but Weatherford reached around and shot Deputy Edwards. Edwards fell, and Weatherford struck him on the head with his pistol two or three times. As Weatherford fled he said, “I told you to let me alone.” Bowers died on March 18, 1891. There is no personal information on John “Jack” Bowers.
Weatherford was convicted of murder in the second degree, and he was sentenced to 25 years in the state penitentiary. Weatherford appealed on district attorney misconduct, and the case was reversed and remanded. It is unknown if Weatherford was retried for the murder of Bowers.
Deputy Bowers is buried in Sumpter Cemetery, Groveton, Trinity County, Texas.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq22172h24z6t921qfvp- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputized Civilian Bowers served with the Tyler County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Woodville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tyler County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1891, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1891, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1891, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 25. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 25. 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 had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Tyler County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 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
Tyler County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tyler County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
