Bound by Duty, United in Friendship: The Nabor Pacheco/Harry Wheeler Story
Hey there, history buffs! Ever heard of Captain Harry Wheeler of the Arizona Rangers? If you’re into the Wild West stories of Arizona from the late 1800s and early 1900s, that name probably rings a bell. The guy was a legend, a true-blue lawman whose dedication and accomplishments are pretty much unmatched.
But what about Nabor Pacheco? Maybe not as widely known, but in my humble opinion (and that of a few old newspapers!), he was just as much of a hero. They even called him "Bravest of the Brave"! Nabor wore a badge from the 1890s until he hung it up to become a rancher in 1911.
This is the story of two guys who came from totally different backgrounds, with a pretty big age gap between them (15+ years!). Yet, they found themselves connected by their shared duty and forged a friendship that stood the test of time. They went through a lot of the same stuff – the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous – that comes with being a lawman.
Here’s a quick rundown of what these two had in common:
- Battle Scars: Both were wounded while doing their jobs.
- Top Cops: Both served as Arizona Sheriffs and Deputy U.S. Marshals.
- Man’s Best Friend: They were pioneers in using dogs to help with law enforcement. Nabor had his trusty sidekick, "Jack the Dog," who basically adopted him and helped him wrangle unruly criminals. Harry was all about using Bloodhounds to track down lawbreakers.
- Deadly Aim: Each was responsible for taking down two wanted criminals. Nabor had the grim task of carrying out hangings, while Harry faced off in gunfights. Both were crack shots with their Colt revolvers and Winchester rifles.
- Tragic Endings: Sadly, both men died way too young, leaving behind grieving families.
So, how did these two become such good friends? Let’s dig into their stories a bit.
Nabor: A Local Boy with Spanish Roots
Nabor Pacheco was a Tucson native, born in 1861. His family had deep roots in the area, with land grants from the King of Spain and the very first registered brand in Arizona, the "Diamond Bell." His dad, Refugio, was a savvy businessman and a big player in local politics. Nabor grew up around farming and ranching, learning the ropes from a young age.
Harry: The Military Man from Florida
Harry Wheeler’s story starts in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1875. His dad was a West Point grad and a lieutenant in the military. Harry followed in his footsteps, serving five years in the U.S. Cavalry. He ended up at Fort Grant in Arizona and left the military in 1902 as a Sergeant. Then, in 1903, he joined the Arizona Rangers, and that’s where the magic happens.
When Worlds Collide: The Rangers and the Sheriff
In 1903, when Harry Wheeler became an Arizona Ranger, Nabor Pacheco was already a seasoned cop in Tucson. He’d worked his way up the ranks, starting as a beat cop in 1896. He’d already made tons of arrests, stopped a murder, been shot in a gunfight, and even joined a posse to chase down the notorious Burt Alvord gang.
The Rangers had their own run-ins with the Alvord gang over the years, eventually capturing them. So, Harry and Nabor probably crossed paths a few times during those early years. But their friendship really blossomed when Nabor was elected Pima County Sheriff in 1904, while Harry was climbing the ranks in the Rangers.
The Bonds That Tie: Two Defining Moments
There were plenty of times Sheriff Pacheco and Ranger Wheeler worked together, but two events really solidified their bond:
1. The Benson Shootout and a Letter from the Hospital
Harry Wheeler found himself in a life-or-death situation in Benson in 1907. He got into a gunfight with a guy named J.A. Tracy and ended up seriously wounded. If you want all the nitty-gritty details, check out Bill O’Neal’s book, "Captain Harry Wheeler Arizona Lawman." It’s a great read.
But here’s a little-known fact: while recovering in the hospital, Harry wrote a letter to his good friend Sheriff Nabor Pacheco.
The letter, published in the Bisbee Daily Review on March 7, 1907, is a real gem. It shows Harry’s character, his dedication to justice, and the respect he had for Nabor. He wrote about the tragic event, saying, "The most terrible duty a man can be called upon to render his state or country is without doubt the taking away of the life of a fellow man." He explained the circumstances of the shootout, emphasizing that he never fired first and never intended to.
He described how he tried to arrest Tracy, but Tracy drew his gun and fired first. The two exchanged shots, moving slowly over 75 yards. Finally, Tracy said his gun was empty. Harry, though wounded, approached Tracy to arrest him, but Tracy shot at him again. Harry then threw rocks at Tracy until he was able to disarm him.
Harry ended the letter by expressing his sorrow over the whole affair, even though he knew he had done the right thing.
Sheriff Pacheco visited Captain Wheeler in the hospital shortly after the shootout. They probably shared stories and offered each other support.
2. The Hunt for Indian John Johns
Later in 1907, after Harry had recovered, the two teamed up again to hunt down a murderer named Indian John Johns. This is another great example of their teamwork and mutual respect. You can read all about it in Bill O’Neal’s books.
An article in the Bisbee Daily Review on September 24, 1907, described how Captain Wheeler and Sheriff Pacheco led a posse into Papago Indian country and arrested Johns without any trouble. The article praised Sheriff Pacheco’s skill in handling the expedition, noting that his knowledge of Spanish helped him communicate with the Indians and gain their trust.
The Legacy of Two Great Lawmen
Sheriff Pacheco went on to preside over the last two public hangings in Tucson in 1908. He was a strong advocate for moving executions to the prison to avoid the "disgusting and unavoidable lack of privacy" of public hangings.
Nabor became Tucson Chief of Police in 1909 and a Deputy U.S. Marshal in 1910 before retiring to ranching. He died unexpectedly in 1920 at the age of 59. Harry was likely an honorary pallbearer at his funeral.
After the Arizona Rangers were disbanded in 1909, Harry Wheeler became a Deputy U.S. Marshal and then Sheriff of Cochise County. He served in World War I. He died in 1925 at the age of 50.
Nabor Pacheco and Harry Wheeler worked alongside many other legendary Arizona lawmen. Their partnership and friendship were truly special. So here’s to these two outstanding officers!