Sheriff John M. Benton, Meigs County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

Sheriff John M. Benton

Meigs County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Sunday, September 28, 1941

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John M. Benton

Sheriff John Benton was shot and killed near the Watts Bar Dam while attempting to arrest a man for public drunkenness at a local dance hall shortly before midnight.

The man, who was a laborer building the nearby dam for the Tennessee Valley Authority, resisted arrest and was fatally shot by Sheriff Benton. Moments later the man's son shot and killed Sheriff Benton. The son then took his father's body and fled back to their home where he was arrested by two state highway patrolmen several hours later. A second man was arrested and charged in connection with Sheriff Benton's murder.

The man's son, 18, claiming self defense, was tried and acquitted on November 24, 1942.

Sheriff Benton was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 55
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Acquitted

alcohol violation, arrest attempt, retaliation

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Sheriff Benton - Your service, sacrifice, and memory are being upheld by those that have succeeded you at the Meigs County Sheriff's Office. You are not forgotten this day or any other day thanks to your brethren and this memorial tribute.

Russell Johnson, District Attorney
9th District Attorney General - Meigs, Morgan, Roane & Loudon Coun

July 8, 2025