AM
Alden McLaughlin
1871
Alden McLaughlin.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Location: Texas
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Not available
Customs Inspector Alden McLaughlin was shot and killed in Live Oak County, Texas, by a group of smugglers who were attempting to keep him from testifying against them at an upcoming trial.
He had left San Antonio on August 20th, 1871, to return to Corpus Christi. His decomposing body was found by a rancher between Rockey and Oakville.
He had previously seized 200 mules from a group of smugglers and it is believed he was murdered in retaliation.
Inspector McLaughlin was survived by his wife. He was a Civil War Veteran who served with the 1st Texas Calvary, Company F.
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Not available
Customs Inspector Alden McLaughlin was shot and killed in Live Oak County, Texas, by a group of smugglers who were attempting to keep him from testifying against them at an upcoming trial.
He had left San Antonio on August 20th, 1871, to return to Corpus Christi. His decomposing body was found by a rancher between Rockey and Oakville.
He had previously seized 200 mules from a group of smugglers and it is believed he was murdered in retaliation.
Inspector McLaughlin was survived by his wife. He was a Civil War Veteran who served with the 1st Texas Calvary, Company F.
Survivors
Inspector McLaughlin was survived by his wife.
Service Record
Also Served
United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service
Customs Inspector
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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