In the spring of 1899, Washington Parish Sheriff Henry S. Burkhalter, a 45-year-old male, met an untimely and tragic end. On Friday, April 7th of that year, he was leading a posse in pursuit of several family members who were wanted for murder. As the group traveled, one of the deputies began to dismount from his horse. In the process, his shotgun struck the saddle.
The impact of the weapon against the saddle caused one of the hammers to fall, resulting in an accidental discharge.
A blast from the shotgun struck Sheriff Burkhalter in the chest. The wound proved to be fatal, and the seven-year veteran of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Department lost his life.
His death was a result of a tragic accident, and as such, there were no suspects or arrests to be made in the case. Sheriff Burkhalter was survived by his wife and their six children. He was laid to rest in the Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton, Louisiana.
