Houston County Sheriff's Department, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, January 9, 1884
Add to My HeroesJames W. Lathrop
The sheriff organized a posse to arrest a desperado named Sandy Robinson. Robinson was found hiding in a cabin on the Bannerman plantation on the Trinity River in Leon County. One of the posse members, James W. Lathrop, entered the door of the cabin and Robinson shot and killed him. Robinson grabbed Lathrop’s weapon and fled. Robinson was later arrested and placed in the county jail. The sheriff got wind of a lynching and summoned a guard of ten or more men to stay at the jail. Only about six men and the sheriff were present when the masked mob of 75-100 men on horseback arrived at 1:00 a.m. on February 3rd. The sheriff begged the men not to take the prisoner out, but they overpowered him, and took his keys. The sheriff succeeded in drawing his pistol, which fired off in the scuffle. No one was injured. There were about ten prisoners in the jail at the time but none of them were molested. The mob took Robinson from the jail and hanged him near the graveyard.
Lathrop was survived by his wife and at least a daughter and a step-son. His place of burial is unknown at this time.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 1 day
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Unknown weapon
- Offender Lynched
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsJames,
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 Houston County.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 9, 2024
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