JG
U.S. Army · United States 
John Greer
1938
John R. Greer served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Edged weapon
What Happened
Guard John Greer succumbed to stab wounds sustained 11 days earlier during an escape attempt at the Eastham State Prison Farm in Houston County, Texas.
Guard Greer was stabbed in the stomach by one of the eight prisoners who attempted to escape. Other guards who were at the prison farm opened fire on the prisoners during the escape, killing two of them.
Six felons escaped; two men were shot by guards by the river, two were drowned, one was recaptured, and one was apprehended in 1939.
Guard Greer was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division for 13 years.
Guard Greer was stabbed in the stomach by one of the eight prisoners who attempted to escape. Other guards who were at the prison farm opened fire on the prisoners during the escape, killing two of them.
Six felons escaped; two men were shot by guards by the river, two were drowned, one was recaptured, and one was apprehended in 1939.
Guard Greer was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, four daughters, and parents.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division
Guard
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmq00g0wqr52y12hd5yr
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor John.
Leave a Tribute