Commodore Perry Owens – Gunfighting Lawman
The annals of the American Old West are filled with figures larger than life, men and women who carved their names into the landscape with courage, grit, and sometimes, the sharp crack of a revolver. Among these iconic individuals stands Commodore Perry Owens, a name synonymous with unwavering resolve and unparalleled skill with a firearm. His story, etched in the dust and drama of the Arizona Territory, is a testament to the complex and often brutal reality of frontier justice. One particular event, the Owens-Blevins Shootout, forever solidified his place in Western lore, highlighting both his prowess as a gunfighting lawman and the turbulent times in which he lived.
Born on July 29, 1852, in Hawkins County, Tennessee, Commodore Perry Owens inherited his name from a distinguished naval commander, a namesake who had secured victory over British forces in 1813. This early connection to a figure of strength and leadership seems almost prophetic, foreshadowing the path Owens would later forge. The family eventually migrated to Indiana, but young Owens, restless and yearning for adventure, ran away from home at the tender age of 13. This act of rebellion marked the beginning of his journey into the untamed West, a realm where he would ultimately make his mark.
His early years were characterized by hard labor and the development of skills crucial for survival in the harsh environment. He found employment as a buffalo hunter, providing sustenance for the railroad workers who were laying down tracks across the vast plains. It was during this period that Owens honed his already impressive shooting abilities. He became renowned for his accuracy and speed, reportedly able to fire a rifle effectively from the hip. Adding to his formidable reputation, he was said to be ambidextrous and often carried two pistols, making him a dangerous opponent in any confrontation. This dedication to his craft transformed Commodore Perry Owens into a master marksman, a skill that would later define his career as a lawman. After his time working with the railroad, he embraced the life of a cowboy, riding the ranges of Oklahoma and New Mexico, further solidifying his connection to the land and its challenges.
By 1881, the allure of new frontiers drew Owens westward to Arizona Territory. He settled near Navajo Springs, establishing a homestead and immersing himself in the local community. His reputation for fairness and competence preceded him, and in 1886, he was elected sheriff of Apache County. This appointment placed him squarely in the center of a region grappling with lawlessness and simmering tensions. Holbrook, the county seat, was notorious for its rowdy saloons, gambling dens, and frequent outbreaks of violence. Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens was tasked with bringing order to this chaotic environment, a challenge he met with unwavering determination.
The Pleasant Valley War, a long-standing feud between cattlemen and sheep herders, cast a long shadow over Apache County. This conflict, fueled by accusations of cattle rustling and revenge killings, had plunged the region into a state of near-anarchy. The Blevins family, implicated in numerous acts of violence and cattle theft, represented one of the primary factions in this deadly dispute. Owens, as sheriff, was determined to bring the Blevinses to justice and restore peace to the troubled valley. This commitment to upholding the law set the stage for the infamous Owens-Blevins Shootout, an event that would forever cement his legacy.
The confrontation occurred in September 1887, when Owens, armed with a warrant for the arrest of several members of the Blevins gang, arrived at their house in Holbrook. What transpired in the ensuing moments was a lightning-fast exchange of gunfire that left several men dead or wounded. Accounts of the shootout vary, but the general consensus is that Owens displayed remarkable courage and marksmanship. Despite being outnumbered, he stood his ground, delivering accurate and deadly shots that quickly subdued the Blevinses. The Owens-Blevins Shootout was a defining moment in the Pleasant Valley War and a testament to Commodore Perry Owens‘s skill as a gunfighting lawman.
However, the aftermath of the shootout was complex and controversial. While some hailed Owens as a hero who had brought justice to a lawless land, others criticized his actions, arguing that he had used excessive force. The political climate in Apache County was volatile, and the controversy surrounding the shootout ultimately led to Owens being relieved of his position as sheriff. This turn of events highlights the often-murky moral landscape of the Old West, where the line between lawman and outlaw could be blurred and public opinion swayed easily.
Following his departure from the sheriff’s office, Owens relocated to Seligman, Arizona, where he embraced a new chapter in his life. He opened a saloon, a common occupation for men of the West, and continued to be a respected figure in the community. In 1902, at the age of 50, he married, finally settling into a more domestic life.
Commodore Perry Owens passed away in 1919 at the age of 66. He was laid to rest in Flagstaff, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire. His life was a testament to the spirit of the Old West: a blend of rugged individualism, unwavering determination, and a commitment to justice, however imperfectly defined. While the details of his life may be debated and embellished, the image of Commodore Perry Owens, the gunfighting lawman, remains an enduring symbol of the American frontier.