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Incident
Three strangers arrived in Brenham and became abusive and insulted a female. A man passing by protested their treatment of the woman, and the three strangers drew their pistols and told him to go about his business. The man went to Sheriff William M. Thompson and filed a complaint to get warrants for their arrest.
Several hours later, Sheriff Thompson and Deputy Sheriff Crozier confronted the three men, one of whom was variously identified as Hansboro, Handsboro, Handsborough, Hansbrow, and Hertzberg. The sheriff tapped Hansboro on the shoulder, demanded his pistol, saying, “you are my prisoner.” The sheriff started to draw his pistol, but man drew his pistol quickly and fired, although his friends told him not to fire. Hansboro’s shot missed the sheriff. Deputy Crozier fired at Hansboro, striking Sheriff Thompson in the back and shoulder, coming out the left side. Hansboro fired at the deputy and would have killed him except the deputy was behind a post.
Hansboro was arrested by local citizens and placed in jail. Deputy Sheriff Tesdart formed a guard to protect Hansboro from being lynched, and took him to the train depot to be transferred to Galveston for safekeeping. While at the train depot, Sheriff Thompson’s wife approached Hansboro with a pistol and placed the weapon against his breast and pulled the trigger. The pistol did not fire and the deputy quickly disarmed her and had the train depart.
Sheriff William M. Thompson died the next day, Tuesday, June 14, 1870. He was survived by his wife. He was born about 1836 in Kentucky and was about 34 years of age at the time of his death. Thompson was elected on December 3, 1869 and served about six months. His funeral was held in Brenham, but his place of burial is unknown at this time.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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Tributes
156 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Thompson served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Brenham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Washington County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1870, 7 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1870, 31 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 155th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1870, 31 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Washington County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Washington County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
