William “Red” Angus – Fighting in the Johnson County War
The vast, untamed landscapes of Wyoming in the late 19th century were a breeding ground for conflict, particularly between powerful cattle barons and the independent small ranchers struggling to make their mark. Sheriff William “Red” Angus, a man of varied experiences and a strong sense of justice, found himself squarely in the middle of this volatile situation, now known as the Johnson County War. His involvement in this conflict cemented his place in the history of the American West, a story interwoven with cattle drives, skirmishes, and the struggle for control of the open range.
William Angus, nicknamed "Red" likely due to his fiery hair, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1849. His early life was one of movement and adventure, a stark contrast to the settled existence he would eventually seek. As a young man, he ventured westward, seeking opportunities in the burgeoning territories. His initial foray into the military involved serving as a teamster, a crucial role in supplying troops and equipment across the vast distances of the West. This experience provided him with invaluable knowledge of the land, the people, and the challenges of survival on the frontier.
His connection to the military deepened when he briefly joined the Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. This brief stint placed him alongside the controversial figure of General George Armstrong Custer. He was present during Custer’s infamous assault on Black Kettle’s village at the Battle of the Washita in Oklahoma in 1868. The Washita battle was a tragic event, a brutal clash between the U.S. Army and the Cheyenne tribe, marked by significant loss of life on both sides. Angus’s experience there undoubtedly shaped his understanding of conflict and the complexities of the relationship between settlers and Native American tribes. Following the Washita battle, Angus returned to driving wagons, continuing to navigate the challenging terrain of Indian Territory, honing his skills and building resilience.
In 1880, his path led him to Wyoming. He was driving a herd of cattle from Texas, a long and arduous journey across the plains, destined for a ranch near Sheridan. Upon reaching his destination, Angus was captivated by the beauty and potential of the Wyoming landscape. He made the pivotal decision to stay, setting down roots in a land that would soon become embroiled in conflict. He could not have known then that his name would become synonymous with the fight for fairness and justice in the face of overwhelming power.
Several years later, Angus established himself in Buffalo, Wyoming, a bustling town at the heart of cattle country. He opened a liquor store, a common business venture in the West, providing him with a livelihood and a connection to the local community. In 1888, he decided to enter the political arena, running for the office of Sheriff of Johnson County. His reputation for honesty, his understanding of the land, and his commitment to fairness resonated with the local voters, and he won the election. This victory placed him in a position of significant authority, a role he would soon find tested by the escalating tensions between the large and small ranchers.
The Johnson County War was not a formal declaration of war, but rather a period of intense conflict fueled by economic disparity and differing views on land ownership and cattle management. On one side stood the large cattle barons, wealthy and influential men who controlled vast tracts of land and wielded considerable political power. They often accused the smaller ranchers of rustling, or stealing cattle, and sought to eliminate competition through intimidation and violence. On the other side were the small ranchers, independent individuals who struggled to make a living and resented the dominance of the cattle barons. They believed in fair access to the open range and fought to protect their livelihoods.
Sheriff William “Red” Angus found himself firmly aligned with the small ranchers. He recognized the injustice of the situation and believed in upholding the law for all, regardless of wealth or influence. His commitment to fairness made him a target of the cattle barons, who saw him as an obstacle to their agenda. In their efforts to control the situation, the cattle barons decided to take matters into their own hands.
In April 1892, tensions reached a boiling point. The cattle barons, frustrated by Angus’s refusal to side with them, assembled a group of approximately 50 men, often referred to as "regulators," with the intention of intimidating the small ranchers and driving them out of the county. This group included hired guns from Texas, notorious for their ruthlessness and willingness to use violence. Their arrival in Johnson County signaled a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
Upon learning of the "regulators" and their intentions, Sheriff William “Red” Angus acted swiftly. He gathered his own posse, a group of local citizens who shared his commitment to justice and were willing to defend their community. He understood the gravity of the situation and the need to confront the threat posed by the cattle barons’ hired guns.
The posse, under the leadership of Sheriff William “Red” Angus, tracked the "regulators" to the TA Ranch, a strategically located property that served as their base of operations. The ranch became the focal point of the conflict, a battleground where the future of Johnson County would be decided. Angus and his posse surrounded the ranch, effectively laying siege to the "regulators" inside.
For three days, a relentless exchange of gunfire echoed across the Wyoming landscape. Bullets flew between the two factions, a constant reminder of the deadly stakes involved. The siege of the TA Ranch was a tense and dangerous standoff, with both sides entrenched and unwilling to back down. The small ranchers, bolstered by the actions of Sheriff William “Red” Angus, felt empowered to resist the cattle barons’ intimidation tactics.
The siege finally came to an end with the intervention of the Sixth Cavalry from Fort McKinney. The arrival of the federal troops brought a sense of order and forced both sides to cease hostilities. The "regulators" were arrested and taken into custody, effectively ending their campaign of intimidation. The Johnson County War, though not formally resolved, had reached a turning point.
Despite his efforts to uphold the law and protect the small ranchers, Angus faced political repercussions for his role in the Johnson County War. When he ran for re-election as sheriff the following year, he lost. The powerful cattle barons, resentful of his opposition, used their influence to sway public opinion against him.
Despite the defeat, William “Red” Angus remained in Buffalo, where he continued to contribute to the community. He worked at the Occidental Hotel, a prominent establishment in town, and later served as a Deputy County Clerk and Johnson County Treasurer. His commitment to public service demonstrated his enduring dedication to the people of Johnson County.
William “Red” Angus passed away in 1922, leaving behind a legacy as a man of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. His involvement in the Johnson County War cemented his place in the history of the American West, a testament to the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for fairness and equality on the frontier. He is remembered as a lawman who stood up to powerful interests, a champion of the underdog, and a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Old West.
His life and actions serve as a reminder of the complexities of the American West, a time of both opportunity and conflict. The story of William “Red” Angus and the Johnson County War continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. He embodies the spirit of the West, a spirit of independence, resilience, and a unwavering belief in the principles of justice and fairness.