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Incident
Town Marshal Thomas Neely was stabbed to death while attempting to collect a bond at a store in Middleton.
Marshal Neely walked into C.M. Wilson's store looking for the man who owed a bond payment. Another subject intervened, and an argument ensued. When Marshal Neely attempted to arrest the man, the subject pulled out a knife and stabbed him repeatedly. Marshal Neely drew his gun and shot the subject.
Marshal Neely was transported to the Sasser Hotel, where he died a few minutes later.
The subject was taken to the Bolivar Jail, and the bullet was removed from his neck. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years.
Marshal Neely had served as the town marshal with the Middleton Police Department for six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two 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
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Town Marshal Neely served with the Middleton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Middleton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Middleton Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1899, 4 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
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
Thomas was 29. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Thomas had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Thomas was 29. 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 had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Mondays: 12%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Middleton Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 1.6% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Middleton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.