Dallas Stoudenmire – Taming El Paso, Texas
The annals of the American West are filled with figures who embody both the rugged individualism and the often-brutal realities of frontier life. Among these individuals, Dallas Stoudenmire stands out as a man who, though perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of one of the West’s most notorious towns: El Paso, Texas. Stoudenmire’s story is one of bravery, violence, and ultimately, tragedy, a testament to the volatile nature of the Old West and the men who dared to tame it. This article delves into the life and times of Dallas Stoudenmire, exploring his journey from Confederate soldier to the lawman who attempted to bring order to the chaos of El Paso.
Born in Aberfoil, Alabama, on December 11, 1845, Dallas Stoudenmire was one of nine children born to Lewis and Elizabeth Stoudenmire. His early life was undoubtedly shaped by the values and traditions of the antebellum South. However, the tranquility of his youth was shattered by the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1862, at the young age of 16, Dallas Stoudenmire enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining the 45th Alabama Infantry. He served with distinction, enduring the hardships of war and experiencing the horrors of battle firsthand. Stoudenmire was wounded several times during his service, carrying two bullets within his body for the remainder of his life – physical reminders of the sacrifices he made for the Confederacy. His experiences in the war undoubtedly hardened him, instilling a sense of resilience and a familiarity with violence that would later define his career as a lawman.
Following the end of the Civil War, Stoudenmire, like many other veterans, sought a fresh start in the burgeoning state of Texas. He arrived in Columbus, Texas, around 1867, a time when the state was grappling with the challenges of Reconstruction and the lawlessness that often accompanied it. Here, Stoudenmire began to forge a reputation as a formidable figure, reportedly involved in several deadly encounters. Standing tall at 6’4", he possessed an imposing presence, further enhanced by his reputation as a skilled marksman. Despite his dangerous aura, Stoudenmire was also described as a gentleman, particularly around women, who were drawn to his handsome features and stylish attire. However, beneath the veneer of civility lay a volatile temper, especially when fueled by alcohol. He honed his shooting skills, becoming equally adept with both hands, a trait that would serve him well in the gunfights to come. During these formative years in Texas, Stoudenmire engaged in various occupations, including sheep farming, carpentry, wheelwrighting, and merchandising, demonstrating his adaptability and resourcefulness.
Stoudenmire’s path to law enforcement began with a stint in the legendary Texas Rangers. In 1874, he served as a second sergeant in J.R. Waller’s company, gaining valuable experience in tracking criminals and maintaining order in the vast Texas frontier. After his service with the Rangers, Stoudenmire briefly ventured into the Texas Panhandle and even crossed into Mexico during the tumultuous era of Maximilian. He also served a short period as a marshal in Socorro, New Mexico, further solidifying his reputation as a capable lawman. It was during his time in Socorro that his brother-in-law, "Doc" Cummings, residing in El Paso, Texas, convinced him to consider the marshal’s position in that city. El Paso, at the time, was notorious for its violence and lawlessness, a haven for outlaws and desperadoes. The city’s leaders sought to recruit someone from outside the local circles, a man with a reputation for toughness and an unwavering commitment to upholding the law. Dallas Stoudenmire fit the bill perfectly.
In early April 1881, Dallas Stoudenmire arrived in El Paso, a town teetering on the brink of anarchy. He was quickly hired, assuming his new role as town marshal on April 11, becoming the sixth marshal in a mere eight months – a clear indication of the challenges that awaited him. His first task was to retrieve the city jail keys from a deputy marshal named Bill Johnson, who also happened to be the town drunk. Johnson, in his intoxicated state, proved uncooperative, prompting Stoudenmire to take swift and decisive action. He physically turned Johnson upside down, relieved him of the keys, and unceremoniously tossed him to the ground. This bold act immediately established Stoudenmire’s authority and sent a clear message that he would not tolerate incompetence or disrespect.
Just three days into his tenure, Stoudenmire found himself thrust into the heart of one of the most infamous gunfights in Texas history: the "Four Dead in Five Seconds" shootout. On April 14, 1881, a heated argument erupted in Keating’s Saloon, a notorious establishment known for its clientele and volatile atmosphere. The dispute involved Constable Krempkau and ex-City Marshal George Campbell. Adding fuel to the fire was John Hale, a drunk and unarmed friend of Campbell, who grabbed one of Campbell’s pistols and declared, "George, I’ve got you covered!" Hale then shot Krempkau, who collapsed wounded near the saloon door. As Hale retreated behind a post, Dallas Stoudenmire arrived on the scene, pistols drawn and ready for action.
Stoudenmire fired a shot that went astray, striking an innocent Mexican bystander. However, his next shot found its mark, hitting Hale between the eyes and killing him instantly. Meanwhile, Campbell, witnessing Hale’s demise, attempted to distance himself from the conflict, proclaiming, "Gentlemen, this is not my fight!" However, the wounded Krempkau disagreed and fired at Campbell, hitting him in the wrist and toe. Stoudenmire, with lightning-fast reflexes, also turned his attention to Campbell, firing three bullets into his stomach. Campbell fell to the dusty street, uttering his final words: "You s.o.b., you have murdered me!" When the smoke cleared, four men lay dead: Hale, Campbell, Krempkau, and the unfortunate bystander. The "Four Dead in Five Seconds" gunfight became a legend, catapulting Stoudenmire to national fame and solidifying his reputation as a fearless and deadly lawman.
The aftermath of the gunfight did little to quell the violence in El Paso. Just three days later, on April 17, the wealthy Manning brothers, friends of Hale and Campbell, sought revenge by enlisting the help of the humiliated Bill Johnson to assassinate Stoudenmire. Johnson, still smarting from his earlier encounter with the marshal, hid behind a brick pillar with a shotgun, awaiting his opportunity. As Stoudenmire and his brother-in-law, "Doc" Cummings, approached, Johnson lost his footing and accidentally fired his shotgun into the air. Stoudenmire responded immediately, unleashing a barrage of bullets that left Johnson dead in the street.
The death of Johnson further inflamed the feud between Stoudenmire and the Manning brothers, setting the stage for future conflict. Despite the ongoing threats, Stoudenmire continued his efforts to bring law and order to El Paso. In the months following the Johnson shooting, he killed another six men in shootouts during arrest situations. As Stoudenmire’s legend grew, the city’s violent crime rate began to decline, a testament to his effectiveness as a lawman.
In February 1882, Stoudenmire briefly returned to Columbus, Texas, to marry Isabella Sherrington. During his absence, tragedy struck when James Manning killed Stoudenmire’s brother-in-law and close friend, Stanley "Doc" Cummings. The incident occurred in the Coliseum Saloon, owned by Manning, where an argument between the two men escalated into a deadly confrontation. Manning was arrested but was ultimately acquitted on the grounds of self-defense, a verdict that deeply angered Stoudenmire.
The death of Cummings and Manning’s acquittal marked a turning point in Stoudenmire’s life. The loss of his friend and the perceived injustice of the legal system fueled his anger and led him to drink heavily. He became increasingly confrontational, alienating many residents and making enemies among those he believed were responsible for Manning’s freedom. Despite his success in reducing crime, Stoudenmire’s actions began to erode public support, particularly among those who sympathized with the Mannings.
City officials attempted to curb Stoudenmire’s drinking and confrontational behavior by enacting a law prohibiting law enforcement officers from drinking publicly. However, Stoudenmire himself was responsible for collecting the fines, rendering the law ineffective. His actions grew increasingly erratic, including using the St. Clement’s Church bell for target practice and allegedly misusing city funds. His growing list of enemies included George Washington Carrico, the editor of the El Paso Times, who criticized Stoudenmire’s sobriety and its inverse relationship with the city’s crime rate.
By May 27, 1882, the city council had reached its limit and decided to fire Stoudenmire. However, when confronted by the drunken marshal, they backed down, unwilling to face his wrath. Two days later, Stoudenmire, sober, resigned from his position. He then took over the Globe Restaurant, formerly owned by Doc Cummings, and accepted an appointment as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. Despite these changes, his feud with the Manning brothers continued to simmer.
In an attempt to quell the escalating tensions, residents persuaded Stoudenmire and the Mannings to sign a "peace treaty," which was published in the El Paso Herald. However, the truce proved to be fragile, as Stoudenmire continued to make threats while intoxicated.
On September 18, 1882, Stoudenmire and the Manning brothers – Doc, Frank, and Jim – met again in one of Manning’s saloons to sign another "peace treaty." However, the meeting quickly turned sour as Doc and Dallas began to argue about the previous treaty. The argument escalated, and both men drew their pistols. Doc fired first, shattering Stoudenmire’s left arm and causing him to drop his gun. A second bullet struck Stoudenmire’s shirt pocket, which was filled with papers. While the papers prevented the bullet from breaking the skin, the impact knocked him backward into the saloon doors and out onto the street. Despite his injury, Stoudenmire managed to draw his other gun and shoot Doc as he emerged from the saloon, hitting him in the arm. Jim Manning then fired two shots, one missing its target and the other striking Stoudenmire behind his left ear, killing him instantly. Even after the former marshal was dead, an enraged Doc Manning proceeded to pistol-whip him with his own gun.
James and Doc Manning were arrested but were acquitted after the court ruled that they had acted in self-defense.
Stoudenmire’s funeral was held at El Paso’s Masonic Lodge #130, after which his wife shipped his body to Columbus, Texas, for burial in the Alleyton, Texas cemetery.
The Mannings remained in El Paso, and the killing of Dallas Stoudenmire was eventually forgotten by many.
Despite his short and turbulent tenure as marshal, Dallas Stoudenmire left an indelible mark on El Paso. He was involved in more gunfights than many of his more famous contemporaries, including Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Elfego Baca, Luke Short, Doc Holliday, and John Selman. While his methods were often brutal, he is credited with successfully taming one of the most violent towns in the Old West. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions of the American frontier, where law and order were often enforced through violence and where heroes and villains were often separated by a thin line.