Buck Garrett – Gunfighter and Lawman
Buck Garrett, a name that echoes through the annals of the American West, embodies the complex and often contradictory character of a man who walked both sides of the law. He was a career lawman and gunfighter in Oklahoma. His story is one woven with threads of duty, violence, ambition, and even, perhaps, a touch of unexpected compassion. From his early days as a posseman to his influential role as a county sheriff, Garrett’s life reflects the tumultuous era of westward expansion and the struggle to establish order in a land often governed by the gun.
Born on May 24, 1871, in Tennessee, Buck Garrett carried a certain pedigree, being the nephew of the famed Pat Garrett, the lawman who famously ended Billy the Kid’s outlaw career. The family soon relocated to Paris, Texas, where young Buck spent his formative years. This connection to Pat Garrett undoubtedly cast a long shadow, influencing the young man’s perception of justice and the role of law enforcement. Whether by natural inclination or familial influence, Garrett gravitated towards a life of upholding the law.
At the tender age of 18, Buck Garrett embarked on his journey into law enforcement, serving as a posseman for the U.S. Deputy Marshals. This initial foray into the world of frontier justice provided him with invaluable experience, exposing him to the harsh realities of the West and honing his skills in tracking, apprehension, and, inevitably, the use of firearms. The experience clearly ignited a fire in him, setting the stage for a career dedicated to law and order, albeit one that would occasionally blur the lines between right and wrong.
The year 1892 found the rugged landscapes of Wyoming engulfed in the flames of the Johnson County War. This conflict, a bitter struggle between powerful cattle barons and smaller ranchers and homesteaders, drew in men from all walks of life, including those willing to sell their skills with a gun. Buck Garrett, answering the call for hired guns, found himself recruited as one of Frank Wolcott’s "Regulators." These Regulators were essentially a private army employed by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association to intimidate and, if necessary, eliminate those deemed threats to the cattle barons’ dominance.
Garrett’s involvement in the Johnson County War remains a controversial chapter in his life. He was present during the infamous attack on the KC Ranch house, a bloody event that resulted in the deaths of Nick Ray and Nate Champion. This incident, a brutal illustration of the violence that characterized the conflict, forever stained the reputations of those involved. While Garrett and other gunfighters, including the notorious Frank Canton, were arrested in the aftermath, they were soon released, highlighting the complexities of the legal system in the sparsely populated and politically charged territory.
Following his release, Buck Garrett returned to Texas, seemingly unfazed by his experience in Wyoming. He resumed his duties as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, continuing his career in law enforcement. During this period, he married a woman named Ida Mae, and the couple established their home in Ardmore, Oklahoma. This period marked a transition for Garrett, from the fringes of hired gun work back into the official realm of law enforcement, a testament to his ability to navigate the often-murky waters of the Old West.
In 1894, Buck Garrett found himself embroiled in the pursuit of the notorious outlaw Bill Dalton, one of the infamous Dalton Gang. The Dalton Gang had terrorized the region with their audacious bank and train robberies, becoming a symbol of lawlessness in the Oklahoma Territory. Some accounts credit Garrett with the killing of Bill Dalton, a claim that, while difficult to definitively verify, adds another layer to his already complex reputation. Whether or not he was the one who fired the fatal shot, Garrett’s involvement in the pursuit solidified his image as a relentless and capable lawman.
The year 1895 marked a significant development in the legal landscape of Oklahoma, with the establishment of three new court districts. This expansion of the judicial system created a need for more law enforcement officers, and Garrett was among the many U.S. Deputy Marshals who were appointed to serve these new districts. This appointment reflected the growing recognition of his abilities and his commitment to upholding the law in a rapidly developing territory.
As Oklahoma transitioned from territory to statehood, Garrett’s career continued to flourish. In 1905, he was appointed Chief of Police in Ardmore, a position he held until 1910. His tenure as Chief was marked by a shift in his approach to law enforcement. While still a formidable presence, Garrett reportedly rarely wore a gun during this period, relying instead on his experience and reputation to maintain order. He demonstrated a willingness to confront criminals, arresting numerous “thugs” as the original article reported.
In 1910, Garrett was elected as the Carter County Sheriff, a testament to his popularity and the trust he had earned from the community. He served five terms as sheriff, a remarkable achievement that underscores his effectiveness as a lawman and his ability to connect with the people he served. During his time as sheriff, Garrett diversified his interests, venturing into oil and other businesses. This entrepreneurial spirit led to considerable wealth, transforming him into a prominent and influential figure in the community.
Interestingly, despite his background as a lawman, Garrett was known to occasionally hire attorneys to defend those he had arrested. This seemingly contradictory act suggests a degree of empathy or a belief in the importance of due process, even for those accused of serious crimes. It paints a more nuanced picture of Garrett, revealing a man who was not simply a ruthless enforcer of the law, but someone who also possessed a sense of fairness and compassion.
Despite his influence and popularity, Garrett’s career was not without its controversies. He openly opposed the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization that exerted considerable influence in Oklahoma during the early 20th century. Garrett’s outspoken criticism of the Klan, which he considered a dangerous and divisive force, ultimately contributed to his defeat in the 1922 sheriff’s election. This stance against the Klan highlights his moral courage and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in, even when it came at a personal cost.
Shortly after leaving office, Buck Garrett suffered a stroke, which prematurely ended his life at the age of 58. He was buried in Ardmore, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy as a complex and compelling figure of the American West. He was a man who embodied the contradictions of his time, a gunfighter who became a lawman, a ruthless enforcer who showed compassion, and a champion of law and order who dared to challenge the status quo. His story serves as a reminder that the heroes and villains of the Old West were often more complicated than the legends suggest.