Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Chief of Police Sizemore.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2022

Rest in peace and know that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Beverly C. Mellon Sr, was the Floyd County US Deputy Marshall and killed on Duty. Beverly Mellon jr. shot Jim Sizemore in self-defense on testimony and he was acquitted in trial. He became a Special Police Officer afterward stopping crooked officers like his father. Beverly Mellon Sr. was known for stopping Police Officers that had gone too far with their badge. Eastern Kentucky was a rough place in the 1920s. Thank you to our US Deputy Marshals and Police Officers for there service, sacrifice, and hard work!

SGT Justin Mellon
Great Great Grand son of US Deputy Marshall, Beverly C. Mellon

November 20, 2019

I am Michael Crace. James Mellon and Dolly was my great grandmother and grandfather. In fact, I have the bloody shirt James wore when both my great grand parents were shot.

[email protected]

Michael crace

December 12, 2017

Beverly C. Mellon was a Deputy US Marshall at the time of this shooting and his death. The newspaper for 8/1926 gives a bit different account of this tragedy.

Lynne Mellon
extended family member

April 8, 2017

Martha Ellie Mellon 1962;

On the evening of August 8,1926 (Bev)Beverly P. Mellon and his brother's (Jim) James Mellon, were taking a walk after Sunday dinner with there wives Ella and Dolly when they were ambushed by Jim Sizemore, Verlie Banks and Ben Layne in the Prestonsburg Kentucky High School yard. There was an argument about buying the primary election the day before. Jim pulled his gun, Bev pushed me to the ground. Dolly jumped in front of Jim and was shot in the arm. Both Beverly and James were killed, Ben Layne was wounded in the gunfight. Sizemore and Banks was arrested.

Later that night the son of Beverly P, Beverly Mellon Jr. met Sizemors wife in town and was warned that Jim was drunk and was going to kill all them Mellons.

Verlie Banks and Ben Layne were tried and found not guilty in the Mellon shootings.

On September 11, 1926 As Bev Jr. was going home, he had stopped at the water fountain in the courthouse yard for a drink. He said that he saw the reflection of Jim Sizemore by the moonlight in the fountain coming toward him with a gun. Beverly pulled his gun and shot Jim Sizemore dead.

Beverly Mellon Jr. was not charged.

Greg Payton
grand nephew of Bev Mellon

November 19, 2013

Chief Jim, I never knew you but I am your great grand son. Your daughter Virgie Herald (nee Sizemore) gave birth to my father Luther D Herald Sr.
Dad had always told us three boys, that his grandfather was police chief and that he was shot on the court house steps.
I have been researching our genealogy and finally found the connection.

Luther D Herald Jr.
Great grand son

November 16, 2013

This is JimPaw's great granddaughter. If anyone has a picture of JimPaw. I would love to post it here!

Stehanie Sizemore
Great Grandaughter

June 27, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 87th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 5, 2013

God bless. He was of Cherokee origin.

Vasili

March 30, 2013

This is JimPaw's granddaughter, I had heard about this horrible and untimely death through my family. I didn't see his name on this list so I enlisted the help of the people who run this site. I want to thank you for posting this memorial. I never did get back with you with a picture, I still don't have one. If anyone has a picture of Jim I would appreciate it if you could contact me. Thank you all for your heartwarming posts on here.

Stephanie Hager
great granddaughter

July 8, 2012

Chief Sizemore,
It has taken over 81 years, but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Prestonburg.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

April 7, 2008

Thank You Chief Sizemore for your service and sacrifice. YOU are a HERO!!You may have left us but you will never be forgotten...Rest in Peace Sir...

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

April 3, 2008

Thanks your not forgotten.

GILBERT DANIEL

April 2, 2008