Deputy Sheriff James M. Freeman

James M. Freeman

Deputy Freeman was shot and killed during an escape from the county jail at Quincy.

At about 7:30 pm, Deputy Freeman was taking a prisoner to the jail when he was ambushed by another prisoner. The prisoner had gotten out of his cell when a trustee found the cell key. He attacked the deputy with a piece of facing taken from a window, hitting him twice over the head. After being struck, the deputy fired twice, missing his attacker and yelling at the same time, possible to attract attention. After a scuffle, the prisoner got his weapon and shot him twice. Other people arrived and one man was left with the deputy while others went to get the sheriff and weapons. The prisoner then appeared and ordered the lone man out of his way and made his escape. He was later caught, convicted, and executed by hanging.

Deputy Freeman was survived by his parents and three brothers.