Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The first time I visited Grand Tower was in 1991, I met the outgoing Mayor Charlie Burdick who shared the story about Marshal George Horton Cady he had recorded on a cassette tape that included the historical story about the Mississippi River Town known as the Great Grand Tower. I had come into the town to apply for the job as a police officer, then discovered I would be the only police officer and wear the badge of the Chief of Police. I had just completed serving 8 years in the US Marine Corps as a Military Police Sergeant and I was hired by the new Mayor, Art Ward to be the only cop in this town. I attended the police academy to be State Certified and began serving this historic river community until 1992. Charlie Burdick is now 91 years of age, he had retired as a River Barge Captain soon after we met and has preserved the history of the courage of Marshal Cady and Grand Tower in a museum, that is now sadly soon to close due to a lack of volunteers and community interest in the history. Hopefully this will change. What a story to be told and preserved. This town that began over 350 years ago when it was first discovered by the French explorers Marquette and Jolliet in 1673, then after the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806), the first white settler in Grand Tower was Captain William Boone, the nephew of the famous Daniel Boone. Marshal Cady made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the Civil War, then returning to Grand Tower to serve as the Town Marshal where he chose not to carry a gun in the performance of his duties, I would imagine that he had seen enough killing in the war. In his commitment to keep the river community safe, his life was taken...may his memory live on. May the rich history of this river community be preserved and the remnant of this community persevere.

Chief William C. White, III
Chief of Police (1991-1992)

February 2, 2023

Marshal Cady,
On today, the 140th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Grand Tower.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 26, 2021

Marshal Cady's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 1-4-17 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

January 4, 2017

Rest in Peace, Marshal Cady. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 19, 2012

Thanks for your services.

David

February 25, 2012

Although it has been 130 years since your ultimate sacrifice please know that time does not take away from that contribution. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and dedication to duty.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

February 22, 2011

Marshal Cady, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

February 26, 2010

Marshal Cady,
On today, the 128th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Grand Tower.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 26, 2009

Thank you Mr Cady for your sacrifice. Your son was a chip off the ole block. Hope you have, and continue to Rest in Peace.

Lt Amborn
MN DOC

February 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 127th anniversary month of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

I am sure you were proud that your son followed your footsteps and became a law enforcement officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 12, 2009