Prev
Incident
Joe Beckham was elected the first sheriff of Motley County in February of 1891 and re-elected in November of 1892. He was drinking and gambling and was soon indicted for embezzling county funds. In June of 1893, County Commissioner George W. Cook and Sheriff Beckham got into a shootout in neighboring Childress County and both were indicted. Cook was acquitted and Beckham was freed for lack of evidence. The County Commissioners declared the position vacant and a new sheriff was appointed. Cook was elected Sheriff in November of 1894.
Beckham received a change of venue to Baylor County on his embezzling charge and Sheriff Cook traveled by train to Seymour to testify against him. Beckham was waiting for Sheriff Cook and shot him twice with a .45 caliber pistol. Sheriff Cook was shot through the arm, bowels and near the left nipple. Beckham jumped on his horse and fled. Sheriff Cook was taken back to Matador in Motley County where he died the next day.
Beckham fled and commenced a campaign of robbing and killing in Greer County in the Indian Territory. In December of 1895 a posse composed of Texas Rangers and the Wilbarger County, Texas sheriff and his deputies, surrounded Beckham and his gang. After a five hour shootout, Beckham was killed.
Cook was most likely buried in an unmarked grave in the East Mound Cemetery in Matador in Motley County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq2ra7nkwq1fk10h9682- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. 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
131 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Cook served with the Motley County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Matador community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Motley County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1895, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1895, 74 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 95th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1895, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 39. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. George had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
George was 39. 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. George had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 0.4 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%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Motley County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 50% 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; .45 caliber, in 1.3% 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; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Motley County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Motley County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
