Summit Police Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Thursday, November 19, 1903
Add to My HeroesThadeaus 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.
Bio
- Age 66
- Tour 25 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Pardoned in 1908
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsChief Gillis,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Summit.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 19, 2023
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