Sheriff Samuel Lewis, McNairy County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

Sheriff Samuel Lewis

McNairy County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, July 31, 1867

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Samuel Lewis

Sheriff Samuel Lewis was shot and killed while attempting to quell a disturbance at a local polling station.

Tennessee's governor had sent the militia to the various polling stations in an attempt to control the polls in his favor. As a result, riots broke out around the state, including at the polling station in the town of Purdy.

The local citizens called Sheriff Lewis to the location, and as he attempted to bring the two groups to peace, shots were fired. Sheriff Lewis, who was caught in the middle, received fatal wounds.

Sheriff Lewis was a United States Civil War Union Army veteran and had served with the McNairy County Sheriff's Office for two years. He was survived by his wife and children.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

election, Riot

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Sheriff Lewis,
On today, the 158th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the Union Army during the Civil War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 31, 2025