Deputized Civilian Dock McDavid

Dock McDavid

Deputized Civilian Dock McDavid was deputized to assist the constable in arresting a subject on a charge of using abusive language.

The subject was well known in the community and feared by many people. The constable and his deputy went to the subject's home about 5 miles from Paige and arrested him without incident. The subject was seated between the two lawmen in a buggy en route to Paige. The constable reported that the subject made a sudden move to escape and was halfway out of the buggy when Deputy McDavid seized him. The constable was trying to manage his team of horses when he saw the prisoner attempting to grab McDavid's pistol. With his free hand, the constable pulled his pistol and shot at the prisoner but struck the deputy in the chest. McDavid reportedly cried out, "You've killed me for the man." McDavid staggered and fell against the wagon wheels, relinquishing his hold on the prisoner. McDavid expired in a few minutes. As the prisoner fled, Constable Dunbar jumped from the buggy and shot him twice, killing him.

Constable Dunbar was arrested and placed in the county jail. Dunbar waived an examining trial and was released on a $2,500 bond for the subject's death and $1,000 for the death of Deputy McDavid. On January 8, 1910, a jury acquitted Constable Dunbar in the death of McNeil, and the District Attorney dismissed the case against the constable for the death of McDavid.

Dock McDavid had served with the Bastrop County Constable's Office - Precinct 8 for one day. He was survived by his wife and four small children.

He was buried in the Ridgeway Cemetery in Paige, Bastrop County.