Dow Braziel – U.S. Deputy Marshal and IRS Officer
The life of Dow Braziel, a figure etched in the annals of early 20th-century Oklahoma, presents a compelling narrative of law enforcement, personal conflict, and a violent end. He was a U.S. Deputy Marshal and an IRS Officer whose dedication to duty and unwavering stance on Prohibition ultimately led to a fatal confrontation in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1919. His story is a microcosm of the tumultuous times, reflecting the challenges of enforcing the law in a rapidly changing landscape.
Born on October 8, 1881, to Robert Haden and Nancy Jane Braziel, Dow Braziel’s early life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, with his birthplace unconfirmed. Despite the lack of specific details about his upbringing, his subsequent career choices paint a picture of a man drawn to public service and committed to upholding the law. He would eventually wear several badges, serving as an IRS Officer, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, and even as the Chief of Police in Ardmore, Oklahoma. This diverse experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the law enforcement landscape and the challenges inherent in maintaining order.
Dow Braziel’s commitment to his duty as an IRS officer and Deputy Marshall was well known. His time in law enforcement in Ardmore placed him squarely in the midst of a contentious battle over Prohibition. The era was marked by widespread disregard for the law and a lucrative black market for illegal alcohol.
It was in Ardmore, Oklahoma, that Dow Braziel became embroiled in a bitter feud with Deputy Sheriff Bud Ballew and his superior, Sheriff Buck Garrett. The core of the conflict stemmed from Braziel’s firm belief that Ballew and Garrett were not rigorously enforcing Prohibition laws. This difference in approach created a deep rift, fueling animosity and setting the stage for a tragic confrontation. Braziel’s unwavering stance on Prohibition, while commendable, put him at odds with those who were either complacent or actively profiting from the illegal liquor trade.
The simmering tension between Dow Braziel and Bud Ballew finally reached a boiling point in the early hours of January 31, 1919. The events leading up to the fatal encounter began with Ardmore’s current Chief of Police, Les Segler, meeting with Bud Ballew in the eastern part of the city, responding to reports of gunfire. After a period of discussion, the two lawmen decided to have breakfast at the California Cafe, located at the intersection of Main and Mill Street.
Unbeknownst to Ballew and Segler, Dow Braziel, though no longer actively serving as a lawman at the time, was present at the California Cafe. The embers of his resentment towards Ballew still burned brightly. As Ballew and Segler entered the cafe, they noticed Braziel standing on the east side of the room. Without warning, Braziel drew his weapon and fired two shots at Bud Ballew, both of which missed their mark.
The sudden attack triggered an immediate response from Ballew. Reacting instinctively to the threat, the deputy drew his own pistol and returned fire, emptying the weapon at Braziel. The volley of bullets struck Braziel, causing him to collapse to the floor, mortally wounded. The once dedicated officer, now consumed by personal vendetta, lay dead in the California Cafe.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Chief Segler arrested Bud Ballew and took him to the police station. Ballew was subsequently transferred to the county jail. However, the circumstances of the shooting quickly came under scrutiny. Chief Segler provided a formal statement detailing the events, emphasizing that Ballew had acted in self-defense. Based on Segler’s account and other evidence, Bud Ballew was soon released, exonerated on the grounds of justifiable homicide.
Following his death, Dow Braziel was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore, Oklahoma. His final resting place serves as a silent testament to a life dedicated to law enforcement, a life ultimately consumed by personal conflict and the turbulent times in which he lived. His story is a reminder of the complexities of justice, the dangers of unchecked personal animosity, and the enduring impact of Prohibition on the American landscape.
The legacy of Dow Braziel is one of a complicated figure whose dedication to the law was intertwined with a personal vendetta that ultimately led to his demise. He stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the early 20th century and the often-thin line between justice and personal conflict. His story, though tragic, offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the turbulent history of the American West.