Old West Lawmen List – E
The American West, a land of vast expanses and untamed frontiers, was also a crucible where law and order struggled to take root. In this environment, a breed of men emerged, often flawed and complex, who stood as the thin line between civilization and chaos. These were the lawmen, individuals who, for various reasons – a sense of duty, a thirst for justice, or perhaps simply a desire for adventure – donned the badge and faced down danger on a daily basis. This series delves into the lives and careers of these figures, focusing here on those whose surnames begin with the letter "E." These are just a few of the individuals who helped shape the history of the American West.
Joseph “Joe” F. Eads: A U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in July 1894, Joe Eads served under the command of Marshal Evett Nix, a name synonymous with law enforcement in the turbulent Indian Territory. Just a month after receiving his commission, Eads found himself in a dangerous situation. He joined forces with fellow U.S. Deputy Marshal Sam Large on a mission to apprehend Mike Guffy and T. V. Powell, both suspected of horse theft. The pursuit led them to a confrontation where the outlaws refused to surrender peacefully, instead choosing to draw their weapons. In the ensuing gunfight, T.V. Powell was killed, and Mike Guffy was taken into custody. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by lawmen in their daily duties, where every arrest could potentially turn into a deadly encounter. The actions of Joseph “Joe” F. Eads exemplified the dedication and bravery required to maintain order in a lawless land.
George Washington Earp (1864-1960): The Earp name is practically synonymous with the Old West, evoking images of dusty streets, tense standoffs, and unwavering justice. While Wyatt Earp is perhaps the most famous of the clan, other members of the Earp family also contributed to the establishment of law and order. George Washington Earp, a first cousin to Wyatt, carved his own path as a peace officer in Old Ulysses, Kansas, a town known for its rough-and-tumble character. He also served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, extending his reach and authority beyond the confines of a single town. His career reflects the widespread influence of the Earp family on law enforcement across the American West.
James C. Earp (1841-1926): As the eldest of the Earp brothers, James C. Earp brought a sense of experience and maturity to the family’s law enforcement endeavors. He served as a lawman in Dodge City, Kansas, a town that epitomized the Wild West with its saloons, gambling halls, and frequent outbreaks of violence. While he was present in Tombstone, Arizona, during the tumultuous years when his brothers Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan made their mark, James remained on the sidelines, not directly involved in the infamous events surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. After his time in Tombstone, James settled in California, leaving behind the world of gunfights and dusty streets for a more peaceful life. Nevertheless, his contribution to the legacy of the Earp family as Old West Lawmen List – E remains significant.
J. P. Earp: Another member of the Earp family who served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. J. P. Earp was commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, a bustling hub of law enforcement activity on the edge of Indian Territory. Fort Smith, under the jurisdiction of the legendary "hanging judge" Isaac Parker, was responsible for bringing law and order to a vast and often lawless region. While details of J. P. Earp’s specific activities are scarce, his commission underscores the Earp family’s widespread involvement in federal law enforcement efforts.
Morgan Earp (1851-1882): Morgan Earp, known for his courage and dedication to law and order, served in various capacities across the West. He was a Deputy Sheriff in Ford County, Kansas, a Marshal in Butte, Montana, and a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona. His commitment to upholding the law made him a target of the "Cowboy" faction in Tombstone, a group of outlaws and ranchers who clashed with the Earp brothers. In 1882, Morgan’s life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Tombstone, a victim of the ongoing conflict between the Earps and their enemies. His death fueled the already intense tensions in the town and contributed to the Earp Vendetta Ride, a series of retaliatory killings carried out by Wyatt Earp and his allies. Morgan Earp’s service as Old West Lawmen List – E ended in tragedy, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who wore the badge.
Virgil Earp (1843-1906): Virgil Earp held a variety of law enforcement positions throughout his career, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving the public. He served as a Deputy Marshal in Dodge City, Kansas, a Deputy Sheriff in Prescott, Arizona, and the Marshal/Chief of Police in Tombstone, Arizona. He also held the position of U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona Territory, expanding his authority beyond the confines of a single town. After his time in Tombstone, Virgil continued his law enforcement career, serving as a Deputy Marshal in Colton, California, and a Deputy Sheriff in Esmeralda County, Nevada. His long and varied career is a testament to his dedication to upholding the law and protecting the innocent. His time in Tombstone is the most well-known aspect of his time as Old West Lawmen List – E.
Warren Earp (1855-1900): The youngest of the Earp brothers, Warren Earp, also followed in his family’s footsteps, becoming a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona. He further served as a Special Ranger of the Arizona Cattleman’s Association, tasked with protecting the interests of ranchers and combating cattle rustling. Warren’s life came to a violent end in 1900 when he was killed in a gunfight in Willcox, Arizona. While he may not be as widely known as his older brothers, Warren Earp played a significant role in maintaining order in the Arizona Territory.
Wyatt Earp (1848-1929): Arguably the most famous of the Earp brothers, Wyatt Earp is a legendary figure in the history of the American West. His career spanned numerous towns and territories, each contributing to his reputation as a fearless and uncompromising lawman. He served as a Constable in Lamar, Missouri, a Marshal in Ellsworth, Kansas, a Deputy Policeman in Wichita, Kansas, and an Assistant Marshal in Dodge City, Kansas. In Arizona, he held positions as a Deputy Sheriff in Pima County and a Deputy Policeman/Assistant Marshal in Tombstone. He also served as a Peace Commissioner in Dodge City and a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona Territory. Wyatt’s involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral cemented his place in Western lore, transforming him into a symbol of frontier justice. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Wyatt Earp died of natural causes in California in 1929, living to the age of 80.
Hiram Eastwood: Hiram Eastwood was a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in the Southern District Court of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas. His story is one of relentless pursuit and self-defense. In 1893, outlaw Bill Luttrell sought revenge against Eastwood, blaming him for the capture and hanging of his brother, Charles. Eastwood, forewarned of Luttrell’s intentions, prepared for the inevitable confrontation. While tending to his horse in Oakland, Oklahoma, Eastwood spotted Luttrell approaching and armed himself with a rifle. The two men faced each other outside the stable, and a deadly exchange of gunfire erupted. Luttrell’s aim proved inaccurate, leaving Eastwood unharmed, while Eastwood’s shots struck Luttrell in the heart, lung, and neck, mortally wounding him. The Paris, Texas, court ruled that Eastwood’s actions were justified as self-defense, highlighting the harsh realities of law enforcement in the Old West.
Frank Boardman “Pistol Pete” Eaton (1860-1958): Frank Eaton, better known as "Pistol Pete," was a multifaceted figure of the Old West, embodying the spirit of adventure and resilience. He was a cowboy, Indian fighter, U.S. Deputy Marshal, scout, and author, leaving his mark on various aspects of frontier life. Renowned for his speed and accuracy with a firearm, Eaton was considered one of the fastest draws in Indian Territory, a reputation that undoubtedly served him well in his law enforcement duties.
William “Dad” F. Egan (1832-1924): William “Dad” F. Egan, born in Kentucky in 1832, was a rancher, sheriff, and public servant in Texas. After serving in the Confederate Cavalry during the Civil War, Egan returned to Texas, married, and was elected sheriff of Denton County. During his tenure as sheriff, Egan hired a young Sam Bass to help with ranch work. Bass later befriended Egan’s son, Armstrong, but when Bass began to engage in criminal activities, Egan cooperated with lawmen in the pursuit of the outlaw.
C. E. Elkins: A U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in Oklahoma Territory, C.E. Elkins’s career took a dark turn when he and three other former deputy marshals were arrested and charged with arson and murder. The charges stemmed from a fire in Lexington, Indian Territory, that resulted in a man’s death. The arrest of Elkins and his colleagues underscored the potential for corruption and abuse of power within law enforcement, even in the Wild West.
George Elkins: Like C.E. Elkins, George Elkins was a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in Oklahoma Territory who faced serious accusations. He was arrested along with C.E. Elkins and two other former deputy marshals, facing charges of arson and murder related to the fire in Lexington, Indian Territory. The incident cast a shadow over the reputation of law enforcement in the region.
Jake Elliott: Jake Elliott was a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in Indian Territory who participated in the effort to capture the Jennings Gang on November 29, 1895. He rode with several other U.S. deputy marshals in the pursuit and apprehension of these criminals.
Jess Elliott (18??-1892): Jess Elliott, a Cherokee Indian, served as a Deputy Sheriff of Rogers County, Oklahoma. On November 3, 1892, Elliott was killed in a Catoosa, Oklahoma saloon. After he got into a fight with Bob Talton, who was on probation for horse theft, Talton was thrown out of the saloon, and Elliott was forcibly held inside, giving time for Talton to getaway. However, Talton concealed himself outside the saloon, and when Elliott came out, Talton attacked him and cut his throat. Talton was later arrested, convicted of the murder, and sentenced to death. He was hanged in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on July 31, 1896.
Jackson W. Ellis: Jackson W. Ellis served as both a U.S. Deputy Marshal and an Indian Policeman in the Choctaw Nation. In 1885, Ellis was involved in a gunfight with Bud Trainer in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, resulting in Trainer’s death, which was ruled self-defense. In 1887, Ellis confronted Dick Vann, who had killed U.S. Deputy Marshal Sam Sixkiller, and another gunfight erupted, leaving Vann dead. Ellis also killed Harry Finn, a fugitive from Missouri. He helped to fought off four train robbers, and Ellis resigned from his lawman duties in 1902.
William “Bill” Ellis: William “Bill” Ellis served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and later in the Central District of Indian Territory. In 1890, he killed a whiskey peddler named R. A. Beck in a shootout. In 1892, he participated in the capture of the Cherokee outlaw Ned Christie, who was killed during the arrest. After retiring from law enforcement, Ellis established the X-T Bar Ranch near Antlers, Choctaw Nation.
Campbell Eoff: Campbell Eoff was a U.S. Deputy Marshal and turnkey of the Fort Smith, Arkansas jail. During an escape attempt by Cherokee Bill in 1895, fellow turnkey Larry Keating was killed.
T. J. Ernest: T. J. Ernest was a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory. In 1897, he and U.S. Deputy Marshal Famous Smith attempted to arrest the Texas outlaw Dave Vaugh, who resisted and was killed in the ensuing gunfight.
M. Erwin (18??-1858): M. Erwin was a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in the District Court at Van Buren, Arkansas. In 1858, he was ambushed near Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, becoming the first U.S. Deputy Marshal killed in Indian Territory.
Will “Bill” Etherton: Will “Bill” Etherton was a U.S. Deputy Marshal assigned to the Cheyenne Reservation in Indian Territory. He arrested Bill Dalton in a Stillwater, Oklahoma saloon.
Joseph W. Evans (1851-1902): Joseph W. Evans served as a Wells Fargo Special Agent and U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona. He was present in Tombstone, Arizona, during the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and was friends with the Earps.