DUANE
Duane's take
Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Sam B. Turbeville came into this world on July 4th, 1856 — Independence Day, which feels about right for a man who'd spend a good portion of his life keeping order.
He was born in Mississippi, but Mississippi couldn't hold him. He and his wife, the former Saluda Chapman, made their way to Lamar County, Texas in 1879. Five years later, in 1884, they moved again — this time to Delta County, where Sam would put down roots and make a name that's still remembered.
His occupation was farming. Simple as that. But Delta County, it seems, had other plans for Sam Turbeville.
On May 1st, 1897, he was elected Delta County Sheriff — and not in some quiet, uncontested little vote, mind you. This was a special contested election. Someone wanted that badge bad enough to fight for it.
Sam wanted it more. He won. And then he served three additional terms, which tells you something about how the people of Delta County felt about the man once they got a look at what he could do.
Now, here's the part that sets Sam apart from the average lawman of that era. During his time in office, he didn't just enforce the law — he counseled young people and enforced prohibition. There's a sheriff who understood that a badge alone doesn't fix a county.
You've got to invest in the people wearing the future on their shoulders. When Sam finally stepped away from the sheriff's office, retirement didn't exactly find him sitting on a porch. He was appointed U.S.
Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas. Sam B. Turbeville left this world on July 8th, 1925.
The marker's in Delta County — and now you know why.
What the marker says
(July 4, 1856 - July 8, 1925) Born in Mississippi. He and his wife, former Saluda Chapman, came to Lamar County, Texas 1879. Moved to Delta County in 1884. His occupation was farming. Elected Delta County Sheriff in special contested election May 1, 1897. Served 3 additional terms. During service, counseled young people and enforced prohibition. After retirement from office of sheriff, he was appointed U.S. Marshall for Eastern District of Texas.