On a September morning in 1889, Deputy Sheriff E. King Vann of Jefferson County, a White / Caucasian male, embarked on what would be his final call of duty. On September 27th, he boarded the Ensley City train, making his way to Walker Station with a warrant for the arrest of a man named John Steele. The complaint against Steele had been filed just the day before, setting in motion a tragic chain of events.
Upon his arrival, Deputy Vann located Steele, who, upon seeing the lawman,
immediately fled. Steele took refuge in a small shanty, hoping to evade arrest. Deputy Vann, undeterred, cautiously advanced toward the flimsy structure. As he neared the doorway, the quiet morning was shattered by the deafening blast of a shotgun. Steele had fired through the door, striking Vann and killing him instantly. The sudden and violent end to the deputy's life sent shockwaves through the community.
Word of Deputy Vann's murder spread quickly, and a determined posse was swiftly organized to hunt down his killer. The search for John Steele continued into the night. Eventually, the posse discovered Steele concealed in a hiding place. In the ensuing confrontation, Steele was shot and killed, just hours after he had taken the life of the deputy. Deputy Vann was survived by his wife and children.
