J.M.Clifton 1905-1932 Lea County Deputy Sheriff

Then and Now, Lea County Families and History, Vol #2

J.M.Clifton 1905-1932, Lea County Deputy Sheriff by Walter Beverly

Wednesday, February 25, 1932 was a day in Lea County history, that, as far as law enforcement officers are concerned, hopefully will never be repeated. It was on this day, at approximately 10:30a.m., that Deputy Sheriff J.M.Clifton, stationed in Tatum, was mortally wounded by two gunmen wanted for questioning in the robbery of Dean Hardware in Lovington, the night before. Having been notified by phone that the two suspects might be headed north, J.M. observed them pass as he was talking to D.A. Jones at the southwest corner of Ballard's cafe. Following them, and knowing they were extremely dangerous, Clifton stopped their vehicle two or three miles south of Crossroads. In the vehicle was John O'Dell, 23, believed to have a criminal record in Oklahoma, and Walter Carlock, 22, wanted in Oklahoma for bank robbery.

Both men, according to to reports, stepped out of their vehicle with Carlock pulling a 41 Colt revolver, and as Clifton disarmed him, O'Dell fired a 38 Special, the bullets hitting Clifton in the upper stomach, next to his heart, the left shoulder and left arm. After officer Clifton was shot and had fallen, he drew his weapon, shot O"Dell twice through the heart and through the right side of the chest. Carlock started for the vehicle, in which was found another weapon, and was shot once through the heart.

Despite his wounds, as serious as they were, Clifton managed to return to his vehicle and drive to Crossroads. Authorities were notified and medical help summoned. Clifton remained conscious and alert, giving his statement to his fellow officers upon their arrival.

Dr. Scott of Lovington and Dr. Bridges of Tatum were in attendance and made every effort possible to save Clifton's life with the meager supplies available to them. Because of bad roads and poor vehicles to travel them, a plane was called from Roswell, but could not land at Crossroads. Probably this was the first effort in Lea County to use this method in transporting the injured and ill. Clifton was moved by car to Tatum and a "cabin" plane piloted by J.C.Barnett transported him and one doctor in an effort to reach the nearest, fully staffed hospital at Lubbock, Texas. Clifton died about 40 minutes after take off.

According to the Lea County Courier, Tatum newspaper of that era, more than a thousand were present to do honor to this man who had given his life that law and Order might prevail. also, that his friends were numbered by the hundreds, and even those who had felt the weight of his authority, respected him, and stood with bowed heads, sorrowing.

J.M. Clifton was survived by his wife, his parents, brothers and sisters, and a multitude of friends. His name is engraved on the memorial at the Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe. Those who pause long enough there to read the names do not know his story and most of our present day Lea Countians never heard of him. He didn't live through his twenty-seventh year.