Burton C. Mossman – Captain of the Arizona Rangers
The American West, a landscape etched in history with tales of rugged individualism, frontier justice, and the burgeoning cattle industry, birthed a unique breed of men. Among them stands Burton C. Mossman, a figure who embodied the spirit of the era. Mossman was a farmer, rancher, cattleman, and Arizona Ranger, a man whose life story intertwined with the closing chapter of the Old West. His journey from the farmlands of Illinois to the harsh territories of the Southwest is a testament to ambition, resilience, and a commitment to shaping a lawless land.
Burton C. Mossman’s story began on April 30, 1867, not in the dusty plains of the West, but in the fertile fields of a farmhouse near Aurora, Illinois. His early life was rooted in agriculture, a stark contrast to the life he would later lead. In 1873, seeking new opportunities, the Mossman family migrated westward to Missouri, reflecting the broader westward expansion that defined the nation. However, the family’s pioneering spirit wasn’t yet satisfied, and in 1882, they embarked on another move, this time to the vast landscapes of New Mexico. These early migrations instilled in Mossman a sense of adaptability and a connection to the ever-changing frontier.
The trajectory of Burton C. Mossman shifted dramatically sometime after 1884 when he embraced the life of a cowboy. He found employment with the Aztec Cattle Company, more famously known as the Hashknife Outfit, operating in the northern reaches of the Arizona Territory. The Hashknife Outfit, notorious for its size and the questionable ethics of some of its employees, offered Mossman a crash course in the realities of the cattle industry. It was a world of long days, hard labor, and constant vigilance against the ever-present threat of rustlers.
Mossman’s work ethic and inherent leadership qualities quickly propelled him through the ranks. By the age of 20, he had earned the prestigious position of ranch foreman, a remarkable achievement for such a young man in a cutthroat industry. His responsibilities grew, demanding not only physical prowess but also keen managerial skills. In 1897, his dedication and competence were further recognized when he was appointed superintendent of the entire Hashknife Cattle Company. This was a position of immense power and responsibility, placing him at the helm of one of the largest cattle operations in the region.
During his tenure with the Hashknife Outfit, Burton C. Mossman faced the daunting challenge of combating rampant cattle rustling. The loss of livestock to thieves was pushing the company toward financial ruin. To address this crisis, Mossman took decisive action, purging the payroll of suspected wrongdoers. He terminated the employment of 52 out of 84 cowboys, a bold move that demonstrated his commitment to integrity and the protection of the company’s assets. This action solidified his reputation as a man of action, unafraid to make difficult decisions.
Beyond his involvement in the cattle industry, Burton C. Mossman demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. He partnered in operating a stagecoach line, facilitating transportation and communication across the vast territory. This venture provided him with valuable insights into the logistical challenges and economic opportunities present in the developing region. His involvement in the community extended further when, in 1898, he was elected sheriff of Navajo County. This foray into law enforcement provided him with firsthand experience in maintaining order and upholding justice in a territory often plagued by lawlessness. Later, he diversified his business interests, becoming a partner in the construction of an opera house in Winslow, a testament to the growing cultural aspirations of the community, and a store in Douglas, Arizona.
As the 20th century dawned, the Arizona Territory found itself grappling with an escalating wave of banditry and lawlessness. Recognizing the urgent need for a dedicated law enforcement force, Territorial Governor Oakes Murphy authorized the re-establishment of the Arizona Rangers. These Rangers were envisioned as a mobile, highly skilled unit capable of tracking down and apprehending criminals across the vast and unforgiving terrain. Governor Murphy, a friend and acquaintance of Burton C. Mossman, turned to him to lead this crucial initiative.
On August 30, 1901, Burton C. Mossman was appointed the first captain of the newly reformed Arizona Rangers. It was an offer he accepted with a specific understanding – he would hold the post for only one year. He was fluent in Spanish, a valuable asset in a territory with a large Hispanic population, and was known for his engaging storytelling abilities. He chose Bisbee, Arizona, as the location for his headquarters, strategically positioning the Rangers near the border with Mexico, a region often plagued by criminal activity. He then embarked on the challenging task of recruiting and training a cadre of tough, dedicated lawmen.
One of Burton C. Mossman‘s most notable accomplishments as captain of the Arizona Rangers was the capture of Augustine Chacon, a notorious killer who claimed to have murdered some 52 people. Chacon was a formidable adversary, skilled in evasion and survival. To apprehend him, Mossman employed unconventional tactics, enlisting the help of outlaws Burt Alvord and Billy Stiles. This controversial decision proved effective, as Alvord and Stiles possessed intimate knowledge of the criminal underworld and the terrain. With their assistance, Mossman was able to trap Chacon, who was eventually brought to justice and hanged in Solomonville, Arizona.
After serving his agreed-upon term of one year, Burton C. Mossman stepped down as captain of the Arizona Rangers. Rumors suggested that his decision was influenced by a reluctance to serve under a new governor. Regardless of the reasons, Mossman returned to the cattle business, a realm where he had already proven his capabilities. He acquired the large Diamond A ranch near Roswell, New Mexico, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the cattle industry. Despite his reputation for being wild, restless, and quick-tempered, he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. His leadership style, though demanding, was characterized by fairness and a genuine concern for his employees.
Burton C. Mossman, a man who lived a life as vast and varied as the landscapes he traversed, died in Roswell, New Mexico, on September 5, 1956. He was laid to rest in the Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri, a final return to the Midwest where his journey began. His legacy endures as a symbol of the resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit that defined the pioneers of the American West. He was a farmer, a cowboy, a cattleman, a sheriff, and most notably, the Captain of the Arizona Rangers, a true legend of the Old West.