Sheriff George F. Wharton, age 42, was killed in the line of duty on September 13, 1903, in Edna, Texas. Sheriff Wharton and Deputy Frank Brugh were shot and killed by a man they had just arrested on a train traveling between Victoria and Edna. The suspect, W.T. Lander, had escaped from a prison in Billings, Montana, and was being taken into custody. As they were putting Lander into a cell at the jail, he managed to obtain a gun and mortally wounded both officers. Sheriff Wharton returned fire and killed the suspect, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The incident began when Sheriff Wharton and Deputy Brugh received a message from Victoria to arrest Lander. Upon his arrest, an attempt was made to search Lander to ensure he had no means of escape. During the search, Lander made a sudden movement and retrieved a pistol, beginning to fire immediately. Despite being mortally wounded, Sheriff Wharton managed to shoot Lander four times through the head, resulting in Lander's death almost instantly. Deputy Brugh was also mortally wounded and died a few hours later.
Sheriff George F. Wharton was a dedicated officer who had served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for three years. His sacrifice is remembered and honored by the community and law enforcement agencies.
