John Manning Awtrey.
Deputy John Awtrey was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.
Deputy Awtrey went to serve a warrant on a man in Hulls Station, in South Tuscaloosa County. He made contact with the suspect who was carrying firewood. Deputy Awtrey told him he was under arrest, the suspect dropped the wood, ran in the house and came out with a shotgun, and shot Deputy Awtrey. The suspect ran into a swampy area and was later caught by a posse. The sheriff raised $500.00 and offered it as a reward. The trial was moved to Eutaw, Alabama and he was found guilty and hung on January 25th, 1889.
Deputy Awtrey had served with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and five children. He was preceded in death by one child. He was a Confederate Civil War Veteran who served as a sergeant in the 50th Alabama Infantry, Company I.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Awtrey gave the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tuscaloosa community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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