On the night of Feb. 2, 1922, Walker County Deputy Sheriff John “J.C.” Parrish was shot and killed while investigating a “whiskey running” operation or “moonshine” operation near Kendrick Switch in the High Point community of Walker County.
Deputy Parrish’s 14-year-old half brother, Cecil Parrish, was also shot and killed. Additionally, Thomas Partain died in the gunfire.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is working to have Deputy John “J.C.” Parrish’s name engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
From his research he has found that Deputy Parrish was never married. His sister, Emma Parrish, married Ben Autry (Autrey) in 1894. Born to this union were children Rose 1896, Ada 1897, Charles 1899, Henry 1903, Mary Dorothy 1905 and Melvin 1910.
Sheriff Wilson is trying to locate descendants of Emma Parrish Autry to include them in the application for consideration of John “J.C.” Parrish’s name to the Memorial Wall. He would be grateful to hear from grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces of the Emma Parrish Autry family so he can complete the application.
"Adding the name of one of our fallen deputies to the Memorial Wall is priority for me as the sheriff of Walker County," said Sheriff Wilson.
Sheriff Wilson may be contacted at 706.638-1909 Extension 1231, swilson@walkerso.com or Post Office Box 767 Lafayette, GA 30728.