Prev
Incident
Deputy Ed Tillotson was shot and killed when he and another deputy attempted to question a suspect about a theft. The man suddenly drew a pistol and opened fire on both deputies, killing Deputy Tillotson and wounding the second deputy. The other deputy was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The 38-year-old suspect was captured the next day when he was found hiding in a barn five miles from where he shot Deputy Tillotson. On November 23, 1957, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. As soon as he heard his sentence, he made a break for freedom but was captured in the courthouse. Deputy Tillotson had served with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and served in law enforcement for at least 12 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. The same day he was killed, his wife became very sick, dying four months later of leukemia.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsqfzh1z4apc10c71mv- 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 James. 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 Tillotson gave the Anderson County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Anderson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Tillotson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Anderson County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1957, 1 officer at Anderson County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1957, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1957, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 53. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Anderson County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 37.5 and 55.8; the middle age was 48. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 53. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
James was 53. 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. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 40% of these deaths at Anderson County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Mondays: 40%.
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Anderson County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Anderson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
