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Incident
Sheriff Sampson Queener and Deputy Travis Gibson were stabbed to death while attempting to arrest two men accused of passing a counterfeit bill.
As Sheriff Queener told one of the men he was under arrest, the other man turned and shot the sheriff. Despite being wounded, Sheriff Queener jumped off his horse and knocked the man down. Deputy Gibson attempted to subdue the other man but was stabbed in the neck. As Sheriff Queener attempted to come to the deputy's aid he was also fatally stabbed.
Both suspects fled the scene but were apprehended a month later in another state and extradited back to Campbell County to stand trial. Both were executed by hanging in 1859.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
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Tributes
168 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Queener served with the Campbell County Sheriff's Office.
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
Campbell County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
Sampson is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Sampson is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sampson 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 1858, 2 officers at Campbell County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1858, 2 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1858, 16 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 163rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1858, 18 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 165th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 40% of these deaths at Campbell County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 20%.
August holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 10 deaths at Campbell County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 1.8% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Campbell County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Sampson among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Campbell County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
