Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey

Nelson Maxey

Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey, a deputy sheriff and appointed constable of the precinct, was attempting to preserve order in the courtroom of Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace J. W. McCowan in Washington-on-the-Brazos. Robert (Bob) Gooden and James Shapard pulled six-shooters and killed the lawman and attempted to kill the judge. Both men escaped. Military authorities attempted to locate them. Very little information is known about the incident or the disposition of the two suspects. Nelson Maxey had been a deputy sheriff at least since 1860.

Deputy Sheriff Nelson Maxey was survived by his wife, two daughters and one son. He was reported by the family to have been buried in Washington County, but no gravesite has been located.