Deputy Sheriff Rufus Archibald Thrift

Rufus Archibald Thrift

Deputy Thrift was shot and killed as a result of the Duncan-Altman Feud, a feud that had existed between two prominent Baker County families for more than 20 years.

Members of both families were on an excursion train north of Jacksonville just across the Georgia line when a fight broke out resulting in a Duncan and another man being shot and killed. Two Altman brothers accused of the shootings fled to there Baker County home which was surrounded by more than 50 armed friends. When Deputy Thrift went to the home to investigate he and another man were shot and killed by unknown men. Twenty one men were arrested and charged in connection with Deputy Thrift's murder, but no one was ever tried. The Altman brothers were acquitted of the murders of the two men on the train.

Deputy Thrift was survived by his wife and three children.