Everett Johns was a Chief Deputy for the Nassau County Sheriff's Department, based out of Fernandina Beach, Florida. He worked 8 1/2 years for the Police Force, dying in the line of duty at age 35. He worked 8 years actually, as the Sheriff of Bradford County, Florida and the last 6 months with Nassau County. Deputy Johns was lured out of town on a bogus warrant, sworn out by a man claiming he had some fishing nets stolen. Chief Johns was assigned to accompany the man to the alledged scene of the crime. When Deputy Johns failed to return, a search was undertaken. His body was found two days later, with a bullet wound to the back of the head. He had been assassinated. A Revolver was used. He had been shot while riding in a horse-drawn buggy to the crime scene. It is believed he was deliberately ambushed to prevent his testimony in a Federal Trial the next day. Though the killers were never identified or arrested for his murder. Deputy Johns was survived by his wife, mother, son, and daughter. His wife, Annie (Markley) Johns, died in 1955.
Everett Johns was a Chief Deputy for the Nassau County Sheriff's Department, based out of Fernandina Beach, Florida. He worked 8 1/2 years for the Police Force, dying in the line of duty at age 35. He worked 8 years actually, as the Sheriff of Bradford County, Florida and the last 6 months with Nassau County. Deputy Johns was lured out of town on a bogus warrant, sworn out by a man claiming he had some fishing nets stolen. Chief Johns was assigned to accompany the man to the alledged scene of the crime. When Deputy Johns failed to return, a search was undertaken. His body was found two days later, with a bullet wound to the back of the head. He had been assassinated. A Revolver was used. He had been shot while riding in a horse-drawn buggy to the crime scene. It is believed he was deliberately ambushed to prevent his testimony in a Federal Trial the next day. Though the killers were never identified or arrested for his murder. Deputy Johns was survived by his wife, mother, son, and daughter. His wife, Annie (Markley) Johns, died in 1955.
Inscription
Masonic Emblem/ B.P.O.E. (Elk's Lodge Member)
Gravesite Details
Husband of Annie Markley Johns Pettit 1876-1955
Family Members
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