Sheriff Samuel Preston Greenlee, Grainger County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

Sheriff Samuel Preston Greenlee

Grainger County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, April 10, 1889

Samuel Preston Greenlee

Sheriff Samuel Greenlee was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man who had escaped from prison. Sheriff Greenlee had tracked the suspect to a location where he was hiding with another wanted suspect. Sheriff Greenlee approached and demanded that the suspects surrender. The suspects opened fire, killing Sheriff Greenlee.

One suspect was arrested the next day. He was later taken from his holding cell and hung by a group of angry civilians. The second suspect was tracked down by a 16-year-old boy and shot and killed.

Sheriff Greenlee was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Not available
Offender Both killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Triple great uncle Preston, We are so proud of you for want you did for Grainger Co. in the 3 terms you served as Sheriff, Many of the Greenlee men thru the years served as Lawmen in, Grainger Co. & other Co's. & N.C. & Fl. & other states to honor you... I woked as a armed security officer for 10 yrs...Also some family members was in the Miltary, because you where also a SGT. in the civil war..You will always be in our hearts & thank you for your service & the influence you had on the Greenlee familys thru all those years... GOD BLESS US ALL...

Randall Greenlee
Triple great Nephew

June 4, 2014