Summit Police Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Thursday, November 19, 1903
Add to My HeroesThadeaus Benton Gillis
Chief Gillis was shot and killed as he remonstrated with two intoxicated men in a local store for using profane language. As one slapped him in the face, the other picked up a shotgun on a counter and shot him in the back of the head causing instant death. Both were arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. The 25-year-old killer, from a prominent family, was pardoned by Governor James K. Vardaman on January 22, 1908.
Chief Gillis was a Civil War veteran, having served with the 22nd Mississippi Infantry, Company E. In 1863 he was captured while carrying dispatches during the siege of Vicksburg.
Bio
- Age 66
- Tour 25 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Pardoned in 1908
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsChief Gillis your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of and Town of Summit! Continue to Rest in Peace.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9
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