Wise County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, February 24, 1884
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 1 day
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 24, 1884
Weapon Used: Rifle; Winchester
Suspect Info: Arrested
Posseman Fletcher Smith was shot and killed as he and other possemen attempted to arrest a gang of horse thieves near Greenwood.
When the posse told the thieves they were under arrest the thieves drew their pistols and opened fire. Most of the posse retreated but Posseman Smith stood his ground. One of the thieves obtained a Winchester rifle and continued firing, striking Posseman Smith in the stomach.
Two brothers were arrested by the Tarrant County sheriff and charged with Posseman Smith's murder.
Posseman Smith, who was a local doctor, had been deputized to ride with the posse. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and brother.