Deputy U.S. Marshal Henry Franklin "Frank" Griffin

Henry Franklin "Frank" Griffin

Deputy Marshal Frank Griffin was shot and killed while searching a home two miles north of Tyler, Texas, for two brothers who had escaped from jail. The two had been arrested by the United States marshal for stealing cash from the United States mail system.

After the brothers escaped a posse that included Deputy Marshal Griffin was formed to search for them. The posse went to the family home where they encountered their mother, who denied the men were there and refused to let the posse enter. The marshal was able to convince the mother to allow the home to be searched. As the marshal talked with the woman Deputy Marshal Griffin and other posse members began searching the rooms.

As Deputy Marshal Griffin opened a door to a backroom he was shot in the chest by one of the men and killed instantly. The other officers retreated from the home. After several hours in which the men refused to surrender the home was set on fire, at which time they surrendered.

The two brothers were convicted of Deputy Griffin's murder but their sentence is not known.

Deputy Marshal Griffin was a Confederate Army veteran. He was survived by his wife and three children.