International and Great Northern Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Thursday, October 19, 1905
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 19, 1905
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Special Officer John Etheridge was shot and killed at the railroad station in Troup, Texas, while attempting to quell a disturbance.
Officer Etheridge was on duty aboard a special excursion train when one of the passengers became disorderly. When the train arrived at the station the man and Officer Etheridge got off of it and went into the waiting room where the shooting occurred.
The subject who shot him Officer Etheridge was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released after serving only eight years.
Officer Etheridge had served with the International and Great Northern Railroad Police Department for six years and had previously served as a deputy sheriff and constable in Harrison County. He was survived by his wife and six children.