Prev
Incident
Several young men, including Constable James E. Eubanks, decided to play a prank on City Marshal Tom Nowlin. The men succeeded in putting blank cartridges in his pistol. They went to Freedmantown and raised a racket. Marshal Nowlin went to quiet the disturbance. The men opened fire with blank cartridges and Nowlin returned fire not knowing he was also firing blanks. Constable Eubanks pretended to be wounded. Nowlin believed he was outgunned and returned to town to get another pistol and was returning to the scene when he was told it was a joke. The pranksters had retired to the depot when Nowlin arrived. He told Eubanks he would cut off his arm before he would play such a prank on a friend. Eubanks drew his pistol and fired two shots that killed Nowlin. Witnesses said they saw Nowlin draw his pistol as Eubanks fired.
Eubanks was arrested and released on $5,000 bail. The city council met and declared that Nowlin was killed in the discharge of his duties and voted to hire an attorney to assist the district attorney. The disposition of the charges is unknown at this time.
Nowlin was a widower and had five small children. He was also a member of the city fire department. He is buried in the Mexia City Cemetery.
Several young men, including Constable James E. Eubanks, decided to play a prank on City Marshal Tom Nowlin. The men succeeded in putting blank cartridges in his pistol. They went to Freedmantown and raised a racket. Marshal Nowlin went to quiet the disturbance. The men opened fire with blank cartridges and Nowlin returned fire not knowing he was also firing blanks. Constable Eubanks pretended to be wounded. Nowlin believed he was outgunned and returned to town to get another pistol and was returning to the scene when he was told it was a joke. The pranksters had retired to the depot when Nowlin arrived. He told Eubanks he would cut off his arm before he would play such a prank on a friend. Eubanks drew his pistol and fired two shots that killed Nowlin. Witnesses said they saw Nowlin draw his pistol as Eubanks fired.
Nowlin was a widower and had five small children. He was also a member of the city fire department. He is buried in the Mexia City Cemetery.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq2wbm7rcmz1xx54z2e4- 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 David. 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
130 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Nowlin served with the Mexia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Mexia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mexia Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1896, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1896, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1896, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 46. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
David was 46. 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.
David was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Mexia Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Mexia Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mexia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
