Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Jones succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day during an escape attempt by a suspect who was in jail for the murder of two police officers, Officer George Carmichael and Chief George Bedford of the Cisco Police Department, in 1927. The suspect had been sentenced to death for the previous murders but his conviction was returned to the county court from an appeals court for a sanity hearing. While in jail he had been faking paralysis. Deputy Jones and another deputy had left his cell door open as they completed serving meals. The suspect took the opportunity to run out of his cell, grab a gun from the jailer's office, and then shot Deputy Jones. A group of 200 townspeople came to the jail, overpowered the other guard, and lynched the suspect. Deputy Jones was a former police officer who was volunteering at the jail.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and is buried at Eastland City Cemtery in Eastland, Texas.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtngkaxzkckn83n51h960- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Jones served with the Eastland County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Eastland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Eastland County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1929, 18 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 56. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Thomas was 56. 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.
Thomas was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Eastland County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Eastland County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Eastland County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
