Constable John McPherson Berrian Brooks

Constable John McPherson Berrian Brooks

Clay County Constable's Office - Precinct 4, Texas

End of Watch Monday, November 24, 1879

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John McPherson Berrian Brooks

A party of cowboys got on a drunken spree and began shooting promiscuously close to the business portion of the county seat of Henrietta. Clay County Precinct 4 Constable Berrian Brooks, hearing the firing, walked to where the cowboys were, and commanded them to halt. They refused to obey, and he fired his revolver. They turned and fired on Constable Brooks, shooting him in the back and mortally wounding him. Twenty-five armed citizens started in pursuit and captured four of the party and lodged them in jail. It is unknown at this time whether any of the cowboys were charged or convicted in the death of Constable Brooks.

John McPherson Berrian Brooks was born in 1848 in Jackson County, Georgia. He was survived by his wife Nancy Eveline Simmons Brooks and four children. His place of burial is unknown at this time. He had been elected one of eight constables for Clay County on November 5, 1878, and had served one year. Today Clay County has one elected constable.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 1 year
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Arrested

Most Recent Reflection

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Constable Brooks,
On today, the 140th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Clay County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 24, 2019

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