Constable James W. Hopson

Constable James W. Hopson | Henderson County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas
Henderson County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas
Constable James W. Hopson

Henderson County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas

End of Watch Monday, December 10, 1917

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James W. Hopson

Constable James Hopson was shot and killed as he and the county sheriff attempted to serve a warrant on a man suspected of stealing several firearms and other items during a burglary of a local hardware store.

When the officers arrived at the house on Larkin Street, the sheriff approached from the rear as Constable Hopson approached the front door. As Constable Hopson entered the house, the suspect opened fire, killing him. As the man fled he shot and wounded the sheriff.

The suspect was captured in Corsicana, Texas, nine days later. He was convicted of Constable Hopson's murder and sentenced to life in prison. On July 3rd, 1921, he escaped from Blue Ridge State Prison Farm.

Constable Hopson was survived by his mother and two brothers. He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Black Jack Cemetery in rural Henderson County.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

warrant service, burglary

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Uncle James (Jim), you are remembered by your family and tribute has been paid by placing your name on the Fallen Officers memorial on the courthouse lawn in Athens, Texas. Retired Dallas county Deputy Terry Baker states the following:
From the file of Terry Baker, retired Deputy, Dallas Co. Sheriff's Dept.: In October, 2005 I completed the research on the case of James W. Hopson. I submitted my research files to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D. C. and the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in Austin, Texas. Constable Hopson was approved and his name placed on both memorials the next year.
The Hopson descendants placed a marker in the Blackjack cemetery in 2015 indicating his final resting place.

Wayne Smith
Great-nephew

February 15, 2018

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