Town Marshal Joseph Kaschmitter

Joseph Kaschmitter

Town Marshal Joseph Kaschmitter was shot and mortally wounded as he was walking near the depot at approximately 2:00 am.

Marshal Kaschmitter encountered two men who covered him with their revolvers and ordered him to throw up his hands. He obeyed and, at the same time, said, "I am the town marshal." At this, both men opened fire, the bullets entering his chest and stomach. As the suspects fled, Marshal Kaschmitter drew his revolver and fired several times.

Citizens attracted to the scene carried Marshal Kaschmitter to the home of a local doctor where he died two days later. A posse failed to locate the suspects.

Marshal Kaschmitter had served with the Alton Marshal's Office for seven years. He was survived by his wife and nine children.