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Incident
City Marshal William Karr was shot and killed near the Gilman freight depot while making his nightly rounds at approximately 11:15 pm.
Several citizens heard a gunshot and then observed Marshal Karr staggering across the railroad tracks toward the Redfield Hotel. The freight master assisted Marshal Karr back to the depot where he died before he could make any statements. He had been shot one time in the chest by a .32 caliber revolver.
No suspects are known to have been apprehended.
Marshal Karr had only served as the city marshal for only three weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Karr served with the Gilman Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gilman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Gilman Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1899, 3 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1899, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1899, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 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 0.1 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 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gilman Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
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