Old West Lawmen List – F
The era of the Old West, a period etched in American history with tales of daring pioneers, vast landscapes, and the struggle for order in burgeoning settlements, was also defined by its lawmen. These individuals, often operating in harsh conditions and facing formidable odds, played a crucial role in establishing justice and security. This article delves into the lives and careers of several Old West Lawmen whose names begin with the letter "F," offering a glimpse into their contributions, challenges, and legacies.
The enforcement of law in the Old West was a complex and often dangerous undertaking. Lawmen faced challenges ranging from vast territories and limited resources to the presence of notorious outlaws and deeply ingrained frontier justice. Their stories are filled with bravery, determination, and sometimes, controversial decisions made in the pursuit of maintaining order. The following entries provide a detailed look at some of these figures, highlighting their roles in shaping the landscape of the American West.
Charles Faber (18??-1876): Constable of Las Animas, Colorado
Charles Faber served as the town constable of Las Animas, Colorado, during the 1870s, a period when the town was experiencing rapid growth and the challenges that came with it. Faber’s tenure was tragically cut short in 1876 when he encountered the infamous Clay Allison at a town dance. In an attempt to disarm Allison, Faber was shot and killed, illustrating the precarious nature of law enforcement in a region where firearms were commonplace and respect for authority was often tested. Faber’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who sought to uphold the law in the volatile environment of the Old West. His name, though perhaps not as widely recognized as some, is etched in the history of Las Animas as a man who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Neeley Factor: U.S. Deputy Marshal, Central District of Oklahoma
Neeley Factor distinguished himself as a U.S. Deputy Marshal assigned to the Central District of Oklahoma, a region known for its rugged terrain and the presence of numerous outlaw gangs. Factor’s commitment to upholding the law led him and a posse, including Zeke Miller, into a confrontation near Adamson, Oklahoma. Their mission was to apprehend a particularly troublesome gang of outlaws. The attempted arrest escalated into a fierce gun battle, a common occurrence for lawmen in the Old West. Ultimately, the superior numbers of the lawmen forced the gang to surrender, and they were subsequently taken to the federal jail in Fort Smith, a notorious holding place for criminals in the region. Factor’s success in this operation highlights the courage and determination required to bring lawbreakers to justice in the challenging environment of the Oklahoma Territory.
William "Billy" B. Fain, aka Billy Profane (1856-1929): Constable and More
William "Billy" B. Fain, born in Tennessee in 1856, carved a unique path in the Old West. His journey led him to California in 1883, where his tough demeanor and forceful manner of speaking quickly earned him the moniker "Billy Profane." Fain’s life was marked by both personal tragedy and public service. In 1884, he killed his own uncle, James C. Fain, in what was ruled as self-defense, a testament to the often-violent nature of frontier life.
Later, while residing in the Warner Springs area of San Diego County, Fain became embroiled in a dispute with the Helm brothers, culminating in a shootout with Chat Helm in 1887. Despite being tried twice on assault to murder charges, he was acquitted and relocated to Oak Grove, California. There, he was elected constable, a position he held until July 1890. Fain then moved to Yuma, Arizona, where he married, raised a family, and lived until his death on March 20, 1929. His life story exemplifies the complexities of the Old West, where individuals could be both participants in violence and upholders of the law.
Philip Fall: Outlaw Turned Deputy Marshal
Philip Fall’s story presents a fascinating and somewhat paradoxical figure of the Old West. The brother of gunman Albert Fall, Philip initially gained notoriety as a cattle rustler and outlaw. However, in a turn of events common in the fluid social landscape of the frontier, Fall later transitioned to the other side of the law, becoming a deputy marshal. This shift from outlaw to lawman highlights the ambiguities and complexities of the Old West, where individuals sometimes found themselves on opposing sides of the law depending on circumstances and personal choices. While details of his service as a deputy marshal are scarce, his transformation from outlaw to lawman makes him a unique and intriguing figure in the history of Old West law enforcement.
H. D. Fannin: U.S. Deputy Marshal, Western District of Arkansas
H. D. Fannin served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, a notorious jurisdiction under the purview of Judge Isaac Parker, also known as the "Hanging Judge." Fannin’s duties often involved apprehending dangerous criminals and bringing them to justice in a region plagued by lawlessness.
In one notable instance in 1883, Fannin arrested a man named Jason Labreu for the rape and murder of a woman. However, Labreu managed to escape while being transported to Fort Smith. Fannin pursued Labreu and ultimately killed him, demonstrating the often-harsh measures taken by lawmen in the pursuit of justice. Later that same year, Fannin played a role in the capture of Johnson Jacks, who was charged with the murder of U.S. Deputy Marshal Addison Beck. Fannin’s service exemplifies the dedication and risk involved in maintaining law and order in the turbulent environment of the Old West.
Edward J. Farr (1867-1899): Sheriff of Huerfano County, Colorado
Edward J. Farr’s career as an Old West Lawman culminated in tragedy during his tenure as sheriff of Huerfano County, Colorado. Born in Kerrville, Texas, in 1867, he later moved to New Mexico with his brother, Jeff, before settling in Huerfano County. In 1898, Edward was elected sheriff, a position that placed him directly in the path of the notorious Ketchum Gang.
On July 11, 1899, members of the Ketchum Gang, including Sam Ketchum, Will Carver, and Elza Lay, carried out a daring robbery in Folsom, New Mexico. Sheriff Farr led a posse in pursuit of the bandits, eventually cornering them in Turkey Canyon near Cimarron, New Mexico. On July 16, a fierce gun battle erupted, resulting in Farr being shot three times and killed. Posse member Henry M. Love also sustained serious wounds and died several days later. Sam Ketchum was captured but succumbed to his wounds shortly after. Elza Lay was apprehended in August, while Will Carver was killed two years later by Texas lawmen. Farr’s sacrifice underscores the dangers faced by lawmen in their pursuit of justice against ruthless outlaws in the Old West.
Jefferson "Jeff" Beauregard Farr (1862-1920): Brother and Successor
Jefferson "Jeff" Beauregard Farr, the older brother of Edward J. Farr, played a significant role in the aftermath of his brother’s tragic death. After Edward’s death at the hands of the Ketchum Gang, Jeff stepped into the role of sheriff, a position he held until 1917. Before his brother became sheriff, Jeff worked as a deputy for his brother. His lengthy tenure as sheriff suggests a commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order in Huerfano County. After leaving law enforcement, Jeff transitioned to ranching and cattleman, indicating a continued connection to the land and the traditions of the Old West. His life represents the resilience and adaptability of individuals who sought to build a life in the challenging environment of the American frontier.
John Gist Farr (1847-18??): U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Choctaw Nation
John Gist Farr, a Choctaw Indian originally from South Carolina, served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal for at least eight years in the Choctaw Nation of Indian Territory. His commission began in March 1889, and he resided in Antler, Oklahoma. Farr’s service in the Choctaw Nation highlights the role of Native Americans in law enforcement during the Old West era. His knowledge of the territory, culture, and language would have been invaluable in apprehending criminals and maintaining order within the Choctaw Nation. His story contributes to a more nuanced understanding of law enforcement in the Old West, recognizing the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Sam Farris (18??-1894): Canadian County Deputy Sheriff, Oklahoma Territory
Sam Farris’s life was tragically cut short while serving as a Canadian County Deputy Sheriff in Oklahoma Territory. On May 21, 1894, Farris encountered two outlaw brothers, James and Victor Casey, in Yukon, Oklahoma. The Caseys were suspected of murdering two men near El Reno earlier that month. When Farris confronted them, the brothers opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy. However, Farris managed to return fire, wounding Vic Casey in the foot before he died. Vic Casey later developed blood poisoning from the wound and died on November 12, 1894. His brother Jim was later arrested but was killed during an attempted jailbreak.
William Faulkner: U.S. Deputy Marshal
William Faulkner, a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned out of the federal court in Van Buren, Arkansas, served under Marshal William A. Britton. In 1868, Faulkner arrested Amos McCurtain, a murderer and the last man to be hung at Van Buren on June 24, 1870
John F. Fields (18??-1892): U.S. Deputy Marshal, Western District of Arkansas
John F. Fields, of Cherokee descent, served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas. In June 1885, Fields accompanied Sam Six Killer to a murder scene near Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, where they pursued and confronted the notorious outlaw Dick Glass and his gang. Glass was killed in a shootout by Sam Sixkiller. In October 1892, Fields joined a posse to arrest Cherokee outlaw Ned Christie. On October 19th, as the posse approached Christie’s cabin, Christie emerged firing, fatally wounding Fields.
William Fields (18??-1887): U.S. Deputy Marshal and City Marshal of Tahlequah, Oklahoma
William Fields, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and as the City Marshal of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In one instance, he wounded a Choctaw Indian named Cash Ellis. On April 10, 1887, Fields and an African-American deputy named Crowder Nix attempted to arrest James H. Cunninus for robbing a railroad boxcar. During a running gun battle, Fields was killed by Cunninus.
Edward D. Fink: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Edward D. Fink was a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in El Reno, Oklahoma Territory. In December 1902, he was overpowered while attempting to arrest two outlaws. On November 20, 1904, he attempted to arrest Indian outlaws Jim Tiger and Peter Fish. Fish shot and killed the deputy.
Cornelius Finley (18??-1878): U.S. Deputy Marshal
Cornelius Finley, a U.S. Deputy Marshal for the western district, was killed by Mexican bandits on September 2, 1878, along with U.S. Deputy Marshal John Hicks Adams near Davidson’s Canyon, Arizona.
John King Fisher (1854-1884): Outlaw Turned Sheriff
John King Fisher, a figure whose life straddled both sides of the law, served as the sheriff of Uvalde County, Texas, after renouncing his outlaw ways. He and Ben Thompson were killed in an ambush in San Antonio, Texas.
George W. Flatt (1853-1880): Caldwell, Kansas Marshal
George W. Flatt served as Caldwell, Kansas’ first marshal in 1879. He was killed on June 19, 1880, by members of the “new” police force.
Camillus Sydney "Buck" Fly (18??-1901): Photographer and Sheriff
Camillus Sydney "Buck" Fly, known for his photography of Geronimo’s surrender, also served as the sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, for two years.
W. "Tandy" Folsom (18??-1893): U.S. Deputy Marshal
W. "Tandy" Folsom, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, killed a man in self-defense. However, he was later killed while attempting to arrest a man named Dave Bohannon.
Frederick Fornoff (1859-1935): Policeman, Rough Rider, and U.S. Deputy Marshal
Frederick Fornoff, born in Baltimore, Maryland, served as a policeman, Rough Rider, U.S. Deputy Marshal, and Captain in the New Mexico Mounted Police.
Mary Frances "Mamie" Fossett: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Mary Frances "Mamie" Fossett was appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal by C.H. Thompson of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
William "Bill" or "Will" D. Fossett (1851?-1940): U.S. Deputy Marshal
William "Bill" or "Will" D. Fossett served as a lawman for over 50 years, including as a U.S. Deputy Marshal.
Charles Fox: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Charles Fox, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, rode with lawmen Heck Thomas and John James to capture the Graves Gang.
Friar Frair: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Friar Frair, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, served an arrest warrant on Bass Reeves for murder.
George A. "Bud" Frazer (1864-1896): Texas Ranger and Sheriff
George A. "Bud" Frazer, son of George Milton Frazer, served as a Texas Ranger and sheriff. He was killed by James B. Miller.
George Milton Frazer (1828-1908): Arizona Rangers Captain and Judge
George Milton Frazer served in the Mexican-American War, Arizona Rangers, and as a judge.
W. George Frazier: U.S. Deputy Marshal
W. George Frazier was a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District of Arkansas.
William B. Freeman: U.S. Deputy Marshal
William B. Freeman, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, took part in a posse that attempted to arrest Bill Dalton.
Reuben M. Fry: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Reuben M. Fry, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, was ambushed while trying to locate whiskey stills. The Old West Lawmen stories provide a glimpse into a bygone era.