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Incident
A.L. (Ab) Allen had a record of arrests for drunkenness, gambling, horse racing and fighting. On April 15, 1884, Allen was armed with a pistol and drinking when an argument ensued, and Allen shot and killed Robert Pastian. Allen was convicted and sentenced to the state penitentiary for 60 years. About 1900 Allen was pardoned and returned to Marion County. Allen was again arrested for being drunk and fighting. On one occasion he was armed and threatened the sheriff and a deputy who tried to arrest him. On another occasion, he allegedly disarmed Deputy Sheriff Will Griffith and struck him on the head with a pistol. Bystanders intervened to prevent further violence.
On July 6, 1904, Ab Allen and Deputy Will Griffith met in front of the Star Saloon on Austin Street in Jefferson. A few words passed between them when Allen shot Deputy Griffith with a shot gun, which he had borrowed for the purpose of shooting his son, Ernest Allen, or Deputy Griffith. He allegedly met Deputy Griffith first, so the shooting commenced. Deputy Griffith pulled his pistol and fired several shots, striking Allen in the groin. Allen went into the saloon and fell to the floor and died minutes later. Deputy Griffith was shot in the bowels, and was taken to Dr. Armstrong’s office where he died at 7:30 p.m.
William “Will” Griffith was buried in Section L of the Oakwood Cemetery, Jefferson, Marion County. No marker located.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and at least one son.
In Our Keeping
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Griffith served with the Marion County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jefferson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Griffith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Marion County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 3 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 1904, 2 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1904, 83 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 30. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 30. 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 was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 33.3% 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; 12 gauge, in 0.9% 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; 12 gauge, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Marion County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Marion County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
