Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F28BD7B1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Isom. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
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
Constable Isom Thomas Gillham is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Madison County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Isom Thomas Gillham's cause is highlighted.
How Isom Thomas Gillham Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Isom Thomas Gillham is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Isom Thomas Gillham was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
