Town Marshal Thomas Nicholson was shot and killed by a young man he had attempted to take into custody earlier in the day. Town Marshal Nicholson had witnessed the youth having an altercation with a stranger who had just disembarked from a Rock Island train and had placed him under arrest. However, the youth was able to break away from Town Marshal Nicholson and flee back to his home, where he retrieved a Winchester rifle. He then sought out Town Marshal Nicholson and opened fire on him, fatally wounding him.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison December 2, 1908.

Town Marshal Nicholson was survived by his wife and five children.