Old West Lawmen List – J

The American West, a period etched in history with tales of daring pioneers, vast landscapes, and the ever-present struggle between order and lawlessness, saw the rise of many figures who attempted to tame the frontier. Among these were the lawmen, individuals who, despite facing immense challenges and dangers, sought to uphold justice in a land often governed by its own harsh rules. This article continues our exploration of these figures, focusing on those whose names begin with the letter "J," adding another layer to the complex tapestry of the Old West. This Old West Lawmen List – J will examine the lives and contributions of individuals who donned the badge and faced the perils of frontier justice.

The "J" Brigade: Profiles in Courage and Conflict

These brief profiles offer a glimpse into the lives and careers of several lawmen whose names begin with "J." Each man carved his own path in the annals of Western history, leaving behind a legacy shaped by courage, determination, and the constant struggle to maintain order in a chaotic world. The Old West Lawmen List – J contains figures from Texas Rangers to Deputy Marshals, each story is unique and important.

• Dunk Jefferson: Dunk Jefferson distinguished himself as a Texas Ranger in 1877, serving under the command of Pat Dolan. He quickly gained a reputation as one of Dolan’s most effective and reliable men. Jefferson’s service reflects the crucial role the Texas Rangers played in maintaining order along the Texas frontier, often facing challenging conditions and dangerous adversaries.

• Napoleon Augustus Jennings (1856-1919): Jennings served as a Texas Ranger from 1876 to 1877. He was a member of the group credited with bringing an end to the infamous Sutton-Taylor feud, a long and bloody conflict that plagued Texas for years. Jennings’ involvement in resolving this feud underscores the significant impact lawmen could have on restoring peace and stability to communities torn apart by violence.

• Bill Johnson (18??-1881): The story of Bill Johnson is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in the most unruly of frontier towns. Hired as an Assistant Marshal in El Paso, Texas, in September 1880, Johnson’s known struggles with alcoholism presented an immediate obstacle to his effectiveness. Described as the "town drunk," he nevertheless held his position through the brief tenures of several marshals. His fate took a dramatic turn with the arrival of Dallas Stoudenmire in April 1881. Stoudenmire, a formidable and no-nonsense lawman, wasted no time in asserting his authority. After Johnson stalled in handing over the jail keys while drunk, Stoudenmire physically retrieved them, humiliating Johnson. Shortly after, Stoudenmire fired Johnson. Fueled by resentment and manipulated by local troublemakers, Johnson attempted to ambush Stoudenmire on April 17, 1881. However, his drunken state led to a clumsy mishap, and his intended attack turned into a fatal blunder. Stoudenmire responded swiftly, killing Johnson in a hail of gunfire. Johnson’s tragic end serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers and instability that could plague even those tasked with upholding the law in the Old West.

• Edwin W. Johnson (1853-1931): Born in Clark County, Arkansas, Edwin W. Johnson’s law enforcement career spanned several decades and states. Starting as a deputy sheriff in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, around 1877, he moved to Texas in 1880, becoming a deputy in Clay County. He then advanced to the role of U.S. Deputy Marshal in 1885, operating out of Graham, Texas, but primarily working in the western reaches of Indian Territory. Johnson faced a significant setback in February 1888 when he lost his right arm in a gunfight with Bob James in Wichita Falls, Texas. Undeterred, he adapted and learned to shoot effectively with his left hand. In January 1889, Johnson and seven other lawmen were escorting the four Marlow brothers, accused of horse theft, from Graham to Weatherford, Texas, when they were ambushed by a mob. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of five men, including one lawman, two of the Marlow brothers, and two members of the mob. Johnson himself was wounded. Displaying remarkable resilience, Johnson continued his career in law enforcement. In 1916, he moved to Los Angeles and became a deputy sheriff, a position he maintained until his death on December 5, 1931. Edwin W. Johnson’s story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to serve as a lawman in the face of adversity.

• Grant Johnson (1858-1929): Grant Johnson’s mixed heritage, being the son of a Black Chickasaw and Black Creek mother, played a significant role in his success as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory. Serving under Judge Isaac Parker for at least 14 years, beginning around 1887, Johnson’s knowledge of the customs and language of the Muskogee Creek nation proved invaluable. He frequently partnered with Bass Reeves, another legendary deputy marshal, and together they apprehended numerous notorious outlaws, including Abner Brasfield. Johnson’s other notable captures included counterfeiter Amos Hill, Choctaw outlaw Chahenegee, murderers John Pierce and Bill Davis, Cherokee outlaw Columbus Rose, and train robber Wade Chamberlee, among many others. Judge Isaac Parker considered Johnson one of his most effective deputies, recognizing his unique skills and contributions to maintaining law and order in the challenging environment of Indian Territory. Grant Johnson’s career exemplifies the diverse backgrounds and talents that contributed to law enforcement in the Old West.

• John "Turkey Creek Jack" Johnson (1852?-1887?): A figure shrouded in some mystery, John "Turkey Creek Jack" Johnson was a lawman and gunfighter who drifted through several notorious Western towns. Before arriving in Tombstone, Arizona, he was known to be in Deadwood, South Dakota, and Dodge City, Kansas. In Tombstone, he served as a deputy marshal under the Earp brothers and participated in the infamous posse that killed Frank Stillwell in Tucson, Arizona. Johnson’s involvement in the events surrounding the Earp vendetta ride cemented his place in the tumultuous history of Tombstone and the ongoing struggle for power and control in the region. This Old West Lawmen List – J highlights Johnson’s significance.

• William H. Johnson (18??-1878): William H. Johnson’s life took a dramatic turn after serving as a Confederate captain in the Civil War. He transitioned into law enforcement, becoming a deputy under Sheriff William Brady during the height of the Lincoln County War, a violent conflict that engulfed Lincoln County, New Mexico. Johnson’s service was tragically cut short when he was killed in the line of duty during this turbulent period. His story reflects the pervasive violence and political instability that characterized many parts of the Old West.

• John "Liver Eating" Johnston, aka: John Garrison (1824?-1900): Primarily known as a mountain man and Indian fighter, John "Liver Eating" Johnston’s larger-than-life persona was fueled by numerous legends, some of which inspired the movie Jeremiah Johnson. Beyond his reputation as a frontiersman, Johnston also served as a lawman, holding the positions of deputy and sheriff in Coulson, Montana, in the late 1800s. This Old West Lawmen List – J would be incomplete without him. His foray into law enforcement adds another dimension to the complex and often contradictory life of this legendary figure.

• Frank Jones (1856-1893): Frank Jones dedicated his career to the Texas Rangers, joining their ranks in 1874 and rising to the rank of captain in 1887. His service was marked by dedication and commitment to upholding the law in Texas. Tragically, Jones was killed in a shootout with outlaws on June 30, 1893, sacrificing his life in the pursuit of justice.

• John B. Jones (1834-1881): John B. Jones’s career with the Texas Rangers began before the Civil War. Following the war, he was commissioned as the commander of the Frontier Battalion of the Rangers during the Reconstruction era in Texas. In 1877, Jones played a crucial role in ending the Horrell-Higgins feud, a violent and protracted conflict that had plagued the state. His leadership and dedication to restoring order earned him respect and recognition. Jones died on June 19, 1881, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the Texas Rangers. This Old West Lawmen List – J needed to be accurate and informative about Jones’ contribution.

• John G. Jones: John G. Jones holds the distinction of being the first U.S. Marshal under civilian rule in New Mexico Territory. His appointment marked a significant transition in the territory’s governance and the establishment of a more structured legal system.

• Bill Jordan: Bill Jordan’s contributions to law enforcement extended beyond his service with the U.S. Border Patrol. His expertise and experience led to the development of innovative guns and gear that were adopted by law enforcement agencies across the nation. Jordan’s impact on the tools and techniques used by law enforcement professionals is a lasting legacy of his career. The Old West Lawmen List – J includes not only those who served in traditional Western roles, but also those whose later contributions shaped the future of law enforcement.

The Enduring Legacy

The lawmen whose names appear on this Old West Lawmen List – J represent a diverse group of individuals who faced extraordinary circumstances in their pursuit of justice. From Texas Rangers patrolling vast territories to deputy marshals navigating the complexities of Indian Territory, each man played a vital role in shaping the American West. Their stories, filled with courage, resilience, and sometimes tragedy, continue to resonate today, reminding us of the challenges and sacrifices involved in establishing law and order in a land often defined by its wildness. They are more than just names in a list; they are testaments to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity and strive for a more just society.