George Washington Epperson

Sheriff Epperson was shot and killed near Valdosta, Georgia, while attempting to arrest a man wanted for a murder in Bradford County. The suspect also shot and wounded a Valdosta police officer who was accompanying Sheriff Epperson. The suspect was captured six days later in Camilla, Georgia. The suspect was convicted of Sheriff Epperson's murder and hanged on July 16, 1886. Sheriff Epperson's son, Henry Epperson, was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 20, 1890, while serving as sheriff of Bradford County. Sheriff Epperson was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. He was elected Sheriff the previous year and took office in 1885, the year he was killed. He was a Confederate Civil War Veteran who served as a sergeant in the 37th Alabama Infantry, Company I.