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Incident
Constable Thomas Gillham was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man wanted for assault.
When Constable Gillham and his backup engaged the subject, the man fled. Constable Gillham pursued the man on horseback through a field. As soon as Constable Gillham advanced toward the subject, the subject drew his gun and fired, striking Constable Gillham in the chest. Constable Gillham died ten minutes later.
The suspect fled. Despite a publicized reward for two years, the suspect was never captured.
Constable Gillham was survived by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors
Constable Gillham was survived by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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174 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Constable Gillham served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Edwardsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Isom is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Isom is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Isom is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1852, 1 officer in IL was killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1852, 10 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 171st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1852, 10 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Isom was 22. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Isom was 22. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Isom was 22. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Madison County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Isom among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-ET
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
