N. J. Nat Alford - Milam County Lawmen Killed in the Line of Duty by Greg Kouba

Milam County Lawmen Killed in the Line of Duty
By Greg J Kouba

All credit for this article goes to Greg Kouba

Milam County Deputy N.J. "Nat" Alford

Date of Birth: August 13, 1861

End of Watch: June 24, 1921

Burial: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Rockdale, Texas

Served under Sheriff: L.L. Blaylock

Deputy Sheriff N. J. Alford Instantly Killed in Automobile Accident Friday

Wheel Breaks down; Car turns turtle; all occupants hurt

From The Rockdale Reporter, June 30, 1921

Rockdale - Deputy Sheriff N. J. "Nat" Alford was instantly killed and Messrs. Ira Perry,

Dr. J. P. Sparks and J. T. H. Lipscomb more or less seriously injured in an automobile

accident which occurred at the George Rettig place three miles north of Rockdale.

The party had started to Cameron in Spark's Ford car with Dr. Sparks at the wheel. Mr.

Lipscomb, an immigration agent for the S.A.A.P. was seated on the back seat with Mr.

Alford. Mr. Perry had arrived the day before from San Antonio.

Just how the accident happened is not quite clear but it was probably from the breaking

down of the front wheel of the car making the turn at the crossing. When the wheel

broke, the car turned over and landed in a ditch across the roadway. Mr. Perry and Mr.

Lipscomb were thrown out of the wreck. Dr. Sparks was caught under it while Mr. Alford

was pinned down, the running board of the car resting squarely upon his neck. His neck

was broken, his jawbone shattered and death was evidently instantaneous.

Lipscomb seems to be the most seriously injured of the others, having internal injuries

in the region of his kidneys. He was bruised and battered about the face, side and one

hand. Perry received a dislocated shoulder, painful bruises and contusions. He also

suffered a severe nervous shock and his condition for several hours was quite serious.

Rettig and son witnessed the accident from their home a few hundred feet distant and

hurried to the scene to bring the injured men to town. The Henne & Meyer ambulance went

immediately and the body of Mr. Alford was brought in. News of the event spread rapidly

and no tragedy ever occurred in Rockdale that had more universal interest of more

regretful comment.

After receiving first aid, Mr. Perry was conveyed to a private home. Dr. Sparks was made

comfortable in Mr. Perry's private room at the office. Mr. Lipscomb was taken to the

hotel but was placed on the Sunshine Special and sent to his home in Houston.

Last reports about him are not the most encouraging but both Mr. Perry and Dr. Sparks

are, at this writing, making improvement and in due course will be able to get out again.

The death of Mr. Alford comes as a shock to the entire community. He was probably the

best known peace officer in Milam County, having lived here for nearly half a century and

for the great part of that time was commissioned as constable or sheriff.

Nat Alford was a man of many friends, friends from all walks of life, and his untimely

death has cast a shadow of gloom in town and the surrounding countryside. His funeral

was one of the most well attended in years, as told of in another column.

His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC

and the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in Austin, Texas

Milam County Deputy Nat Alford on a

horse in front of the Rockdale City

Hall.

Milam County Deputy N.J. "Nat" Alford