Inspector John Spaldt
United States Department of the Treasury - Customs Service
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Sunday, November 6, 1898

Biographical Info
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, November 6, 1898
Incident Location: Texas
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Unknown disposition

Red and Blue was a color classification system used to designate political parties in South Texas to assist illiterate or Spanish-speaking voters to use English-language ballots from the 1870s to around 1920. The system was associated with boss rule. Voters were assembled in an open area or business, typically the day before the election. They were often given barbecue and liquor, as well as cash. Politics in Texas during this era often lead to bloodshed.

In Starr County the “Blues” (Republicans) were challenging the “Reds” (Democrats) who had held power since 1868. W. W. Shely, a former Texas Ranger, served as sheriff since 1884, and was the leader of the “Reds” (Democrats). The sheriff swore in more than 100 special deputies to guard the voting places and work for the Democratic ticket. Twenty-five complaints were filed with state and federal authorities, including illegally smuggled mescal being used to buy votes.

Mounted Customs Inspector Spaldt was going to his home after making a seizure of mescal when he met two men suspected of smuggling and attempted to search them. Fred Marks, special deputy sheriff and Democratic candidate for county clerk, intervened. Spaldt was a prominent “Blue” (Republican) but apparently was just doing his law enforcement job when Special Deputy Marks shot Spaldt twice in the back and mortally wounded him. Marks was arrested and jailed in the guardhouse at Fort Ringgold. Spaldt stated he knew he was going to die and made a dying declaration to Commissioner E.E. Neal. Spaldt died at 8:30 p.m. The disposition of any case against Marks is unknown.

Several days later Joe Magena, a “Red,” was shot and killed by a “Blue” special deputy at an election dance.

Spaldt was reported to have been 38 years old and born in Germany. He also operated a local mill. He was survived by his wife and little daughter. His place of burial is unknown.