Clay County AlArchives Obituaries.....Thompson, Thomas F.  November 2, 1907
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Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 June 14, 2023, 11:36 pm

Lineville Headlight
One of the foulest crimes in Talladega's history occurred on Saturday night last 
when Thomas Thompson was shot and almost instantly killed by a worthless negro 
gambler. Many think that it was a deep-laid plot to take the life of this brave 
and faithful officer, that he was decoyed into locality of craps game for 
assassination. A few weeks ago, Mr. Thompson picked up a large knife on the 
street; the following threat was written on a piece of paper and tied to the 
knife, "We will get old Thompson next" The gamesters arranged themselves in two 
groups of three each. Officers Thompson and Wesley experienced little or no 
difficulty in arresting the first group. One of the arrested parties informed 
the officers that another game was in progress and that he would pilot them to 
the place. The proposition was accepted and in a short time they were on the 
scene of action The two officers separated in order that they might they more 
easily intercept the players. Hearing a shot in the direction of Officer 
Thompson, Policeman Wesley hurried to him and found him in the agony of death. 
The ball having struck him' in the left cheek, ranged upward, penetrated the 
brain, death resulting almost instantly. The faithful officer who had stood by 
the town these many years was cruelly murdered in the discharge of duty. A posse 
was formed, pursuit made and Sunday p.m. one of gang was caught and his body 
riddled with bullets. Others of the gang have not been caught yet. The Mayor has 
offered reward of $250 for the capture of the negroes implicated in the murder. 
Mr. Thompson leaves a wife and four children. Also, several brothers among whom 
are W.R. and Robt Thompson. He was well known here, and his many Lineville 
friends were shocked at the dastardly deed. The remains were brought to 
Lineville Sunday night and the funeral services occurred on Monday following 
conducted by Rev. R. A. Speer assisted by Rev W.T. Davis. Also, short talks were 
made by Messrs Adams and Dickenson of Talladega. The interment took place in the 
cemetery near the Baptist church. Messrs Adams, Dickenson and White, of 
Talladega, had charge of the corpse and were present at the funeral services. 
The family and relatives have our deepest sympathy in this sore bereavement.

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