Dawson Richard Murchison
Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Feb. 11, 1887-Dec. 20, 1938) Born in Bastrop County. A state game warden 1930-1938; stationed in Kingsville. He was killed on duty in Jim Wells County when he and other wardens caught men "spotlighting" deer. Married Mattie B. Wright, they had 5 children. Recorded - 1968
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Bastrop County in 1887, Dawson Richard Murchison served as a Texas state game warden from 1930 until his death, stationed at Kingsville. In 1938 he was killed in the line of duty in neighboring Jim Wells County when he and fellow wardens confronted men illegally "spotlighting" deer at night. He and his wife, Mattie B. Wright, had five children.
Why it matters
Murchison's death is a sobering reminder that enforcing the young wildlife-conservation laws of the early twentieth century could be as dangerous as any lawman's work.
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Related people
- · Dawson Richard Murchison
Themes & tags
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