Deputy U.S. Marshal Tom C. Hall

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tom C. Hall

United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, March 18, 1886

Add to My Heroes

Tom C. Hall

Deputy Marshal Hall was shot and killed near Silver City, New Mexico. He was en route to Pinos Altos on business when he encountered a man with a young Mexican girl. Unbeknownst to Marshal Hall the man was a noted Mexican bandit, Perez Pilar. He and two companions had abducted the girl, 14, from her home near Silver City several days earlier. Before riding away they shot and killed the girl's brother and stole two horses. As Marshal Hall road his horse away from the two after talking to them, Pilar shot him in the back. The girl managed to get away and fled to Silver City. A search had already began for Marshal Hall after his horse came into Silver City alone just before the girl arrived. Marshal Hall was found barely alive and died the next day.

Pilar and his gang were wanted in Mexico for the murder of four families. They were wanted in New Mexico for the murder of three men, several armed robberies, and horse theft. In 1887 Pilar was recognized by a man in a bar in Flagstaff, Arizona. The man, was with an officer, and both had to fight him but took him into custody. He was transported to Silver City and hanged there on July 6, 1888.

In 1931 a man living in Hillsboro, New Mexico, displayed a rope that was used to hang Pilar. He said he lived near Silver City and saw Pilar and the girl pass by his home just before he killed Marshall Hall. He said he was present and saw his hanging, and then took the rope.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location New Mexico
  • Incident Date Wednesday, March 17, 1886
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 1888

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 18, 2010

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.