Lillian Holley

Lillian Mae Holley (née Hatch; 11 August 1890 – 12 June 1994) was an American sheriff. She was famous for being the sheriff of Lake County, Indiana that John Dillinger escaped from in 1934.

Lillian Holley
Born
Lillian Mae Hatch

(1890-08-11)August 11, 1890
Indiana, United States
DiedJune 12, 1994(1994-06-12) (aged 103)
Burial placeBeaver City Cemetery
OccupationSheriff

Career

Lillian Holley took over as Lake County Sheriff after the former sheriff, her husband Roy F. Holley, was killed in action. Roy Holley was killed while attempting to arrest a farmer who had shot and killed a neighboring farmer in Ross. The farmer wounded seven police officers before killing himself.[1] Lillian Holley served two years, finishing out her husband's second term as sheriff.

John Dillinger escape

On March 3, 1934, John Dillinger escaped from the Lake County jail while Holley was serving as sheriff,[1] though fault likely lay with the prison warden and his officers.[2]

The press, as well as other officials, called attention to Holley's gender, saying it was the reason Dillinger managed to escape. Chicago Crime Commissioner Frank J. Loesch was quoted as saying, "That's what might be expected of having a woman for sheriff."[2][3] Some media outlets were kinder to Holley. The Tulsa Daily World called Holley an excellent markswoman and quoted her as saying, "If I ever see John Dillinger again, I'll shoot him dead with my own pistol."[3] Later, Archibald McKinlay, a local historian and columnist, called Holley "courageous, determined, and remarkably resilient," indicating that these traits were necessary to endure the intense scrutiny following Dillinger's escape.[1]

Legacy

She was portrayed by Lili Taylor in the 2009 film Public Enemies.

In 2017, The Historic Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana put on a play about Lillian Holley's life called "Lillian", written by former Crown Point High School's art teacher and drama director Marion Kellum.[4]

Personal life

Holley was born 11 August 1890. She had two twin daughters,[3] and at least two grandchildren.[1]

She died 12 June 1994 in Crown Point, Indiana.[1]

References
  1. Heise, Kenan (1994-06-17). "Pioneering Female Sheriff Outlived Dillinger's Escape". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  2. Schulz, Dorothy Moses (2004). Breaking the brass ceiling : women police chiefs and their paths to the top. Westport, Conn.: Praeger. pp. 116–117. ISBN 0-313-05215-8. OCLC 57435768.
  3. "Women in Law Enforcement | American Experience". PBS. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  4. Matter, Sandra (2017-04-04). ""Lillian" A Story of Strength". Newsbug.info. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
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