Constable Jesse P. Matthews

Jesse P. Matthews

Constable Jesse Matthews was shot and killed while responding to a vehicle crash one mile east of Beckville.

He was on duty while maintaining order at a singing convention when two vehicles collided, and the drivers started arguing. Constable Matthews attempted to settle the dispute when one of the drivers shot and killed him before fleeing the scene.

Texas Rangers were sent to the county to calm down vigilantes looking for the killer. The subject was captured almost a week later. While in custody, he committed suicide in his jail cell.

Constable Matthews was first elected constable in Precinct 2 in November of 1914 and was serving his twelfth term. He was survived by his son and two daughters.

He was buried in Tatum, Texas.