Pope County Sheriff's Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Monday, April 12, 1886
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 12, 1886
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Not available
Deputy Sheriff F.M. Thomas was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
A former Pope County treasurer, who was removed from office, had a warrant for his arrest issued against him after a bondsman had brought suit to recover on a prior financial obligation. As an attempt was made to serve the warrant around midnight at the former treasurer's residence, he shot and killed Deputy Thomas with a pistol.
Deputy Thomas was a leading candidate for sheriff. He was survived by his wife.