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Incident
Town Marshal Thomas Nicholson was shot and killed by a young man he had attempted to take into custody earlier in the day. Town Marshal Nicholson had witnessed the youth having an altercation with a stranger who had just disembarked from a Rock Island train and had placed him under arrest. However, the youth was able to break away from Town Marshal Nicholson and flee back to his home, where he retrieved a Winchester rifle. He then sought out Town Marshal Nicholson and opened fire on him, fatally wounding him.
The 22-year-old suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on December 2, 1908. On March 18, 1920, his sentence was commuted to 40 years.
Town Mashal Nicholson was survived by his wife and five children.
Survivors
Town Mashal Nicholson was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Nicholson gave the Gowrie Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gowrie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Nicholson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Gowrie Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 2 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 34. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas was 34. 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. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 34. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 16.3% of these deaths in IA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 22.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gowrie Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.8% 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 rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
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