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Incident
The sheriff organized a posse to arrest a desperado named Sandy Robinson. Robinson was found hiding in a cabin on the Bannerman plantation on the Trinity River in Leon County. One of the posse members, James W. Lathrop, entered the door of the cabin and Robinson shot and killed him. Robinson grabbed Lathrop’s weapon and fled. Robinson was later arrested and placed in the county jail. The sheriff got wind of a lynching and summoned a guard of ten or more men to stay at the jail. Only about six men and the sheriff were present when the masked mob of 75-100 men on horseback arrived at 1:00 a.m. on February 3rd. The sheriff begged the men not to take the prisoner out, but they overpowered him, and took his keys. The sheriff succeeded in drawing his pistol, which fired off in the scuffle. No one was injured. There were about ten prisoners in the jail at the time but none of them were molested. The mob took Robinson from the jail and hanged him near the graveyard.
Lathrop was survived by his wife and at least a daughter and a step-son. His place of burial is unknown at this time.
Survivors
Lathrop was survived by his wife and at least a daughter and a step-son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
142 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Posseman Lathrop served with the Houston County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Crockett community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Houston County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1884, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1884, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1884, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 29. 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. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Houston County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, 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 unknown weapon, in 4.4% 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 unknown weapon, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was unknown weapon, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Houston County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Houston County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
