| Notes |
- June 1, 1861 enlisted in Jackson Co., 23rd Brigade at Hempstead, Texas.
-
In 1867 he was administrator of the estates of his brother, J.W. McDade and J.W.'s son, his nephew, W.A. McDade, both of whom died in the yellow fever epidemic in Hempstead which began August.1867. (The Texas Countryman (Hempstead, TX.), p-2, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1868)
He served as sheriff of Waller county, Texas 1867-1880 and as its tax collector.
He was shot and killed by Joseph Blassingame, Jr.
--
The San Antonio Daily Express, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 1888, p. 4.
Concerning the Assassination of Ex-Sheriff McDade.
HOUSTON, November 27. -- [Special.] -- The assassination of ex-sheriff Thomas S. McDade near Hempstead last night has caused considerable comment in this city, where the deceased is well known. From all that can be learned, it seems that the murdered man left the bedside of one of his children, who was sick, for the purpose of going to the cistern to get the little sufferer a drink of water. He had hardly closed the door as he went outside when the cowardly wretch in concealment turned his gun loose on the unsuspected victim, who fell mortally wounded and soon afterwards died.
The assassin must have left the scene of his terrible deed at once after firing the fatal shot, as a number of citizens hastened to Mr. McDade's home upon hearing the report of the gun, but no trace of the villain could be found.
This morning at 1 o'clock Sheriff George Ellis received a telegram from Deputy Sheriff Thornton, of Waller county, asking for the loan of bloodhounds to trail the murderer. Sheriff Ellis wired back that he had no hounds, but that they could doubtless be obtained either at Cunningham or ?Kills? sugar plantations in Fort Bend county.
The reporter called at the county jail this morning, and visited Jack McDade, a nephew of the murdered man, who with Dick Springfield is under indictment for the killing of Allchin in Hempstead some months ago. Young McDade was a deputy under his uncle towards the close of the latter's administration. To the reporter he intimated the belief that the assassination of his uncle was instigated by thirst for vengeance on the part of Allchin's friends. Be this as it may, however, the murder of poor McDade was cowardly, cold-blooded and dastardly. He was elected sheriff fourteen years ago, and for seven consecutive times the people of Waller county evidenced their confidence in him by re-electing him. In September last he resigned the position and retired to private life. He was known as a brave and efficient officer, and commanded the highest respect of his fellow citizens.
--
The Galveston Daily News, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 1888, p. 1.
THE M'DADE MURDER.
YOUNG MAN UNDER ARREST CHARGED WITH THE CRIME.
Strong Circumstantial Evidence Led to His Detention -- How the Dreadful Deed Was Committed -- Burglars In San Antonio -- Other Crimes.
HEMPSTEAD, Tex., November 27. -- This morning Joseph Blassingame, Jr., was arrested on strong circumstantial evidence and charged with the assassination of ex-Sheriff Captain Thomas S. McDade, assassinated at his home in this city last night. The assassin was mounted on horseback, and after riding up to the back garden fence broke off two or three pickets, and after walking through the garden concealed himself near the well. Captain McDade walked out to the well for some water for his son, who is sick in bed, and as he stepped out a shot was fired, filling his body with buckshot.
The horse was tracked this morning to where Blassingame stopped last night, about three-quarters of a mile from where the tragedy took place.
The footprints were measured, corresponding with the boots worn by the party arrested.
A double barrel shotgun was found in the house and showed one barrel had been freshly discharged. The load in the other barrel was taken out, and the shot compared exactly with those that were taken from the body of the murdered man.
Blassingame's examining trial will be heard to-morrow.
Captain Thomas S. McDade has been sheriff of Waller county for the last twelve or fifteen years. He was well thought of and his large number of friends mourn his loss. Peace to his ashes.
-
Blassingame was acquitted, likely because the evidence, though substantial, didn't convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt.
|
1829 - 1888 (59 years)
