Sheriff killed in 1791 honored in Columbia County

GHENT, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) paid homage to a former sheriff on Wednesday who served the county more than 230 years ago. Deputies honored Sheriff Cornelius Hogeboom, who was killed in the line of duty on October 22, 1791.

Hogeboom was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War who served as Columbia County's sheriff for two years. He died after being attacked by a group of over 15 assailants while executing a writ of ejectment during a property dispute.

"As a Sheriff's Office, we are committed to remembering the service and sacrifice of those who have taken the oath to protect and serve, honoring those who came before us and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," the CCSO stated. "We will never forget Sheriff Hogeboom's bravery, legacy, and dedication to duty."

Hogeboom's fatal shooting is among the earliest recorded law enforcement line-of-duty deaths in U.S. history, according to the CCSO. He was buried at Ghent Union Cemetery.