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John Polk

Death by Force
Case Description
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John William Polk, the Sheriff of Iron County, Missouri, was tragically killed on May 25, 1905, at the age of 37. Sheriff Polk was attempting to arrest William Spaugh Jr. for an assault that had occurred earlier that day. The incident took place at the Spaugh family home, where Polk was confronted by William Spaugh Jr., his brother Arthur Spaugh, and their mother, Mary E. Spaugh. During the confrontation, Sheriff Polk was shot and killed by the Spaugh brothers.

Following the murder, the S ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (1)
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  • Sheriff John William Polk - Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP)
    • Victim Details

    John William Polk

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Ironton

    MO

    1905-05-25

    37

    John

    Polk

    11/24/2025

    Forum Posts (2)
    I came across some old newspaper archives while researching the tragic case of Sheriff John William ... ...Read More
    07/01/2024
    I came across an old newspaper clipping about the vigilante attack on the Spaugh brothers in jail, a... ...Read More
    06/25/2024
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