Marshal Thadeaus Benton Gillis

Thadeaus Benton Gillis

Chief of Police Thadeaus 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. He had served as the Marshal of the town of Summit for 20 years.