George Scarborough – Sheriff & U.S. Deputy Marshal
The annals of the American West are replete with figures who carved their names into history through grit, determination, and a commitment to upholding the law in a lawless land. Among these individuals stands George Scarborough, a man who wore many hats – cowboy, sheriff, and U.S. Deputy Marshal – and whose life was as colorful and tumultuous as the era he inhabited. His story is one of frontier justice, dangerous pursuits, and a life ultimately cut short by the violence that defined his time.
Born on October 2, 1859, in the state of Louisiana, George Scarborough‘s early life was steeped in the values of faith and family. His father, a Baptist preacher, instilled in him a strong moral compass that would later guide his actions, even amidst the moral ambiguities of the Wild West. The family’s subsequent move to Texas proved pivotal, setting the stage for Scarborough’s transformation from a young boy into a hardened lawman.
As he matured, Scarborough embraced the quintessential Texan lifestyle, finding work as a cowboy. The vast open ranges, the demanding work, and the camaraderie of the trail shaped his character, fostering a sense of independence, resilience, and practical skill. This experience would serve him well in the years to come, providing him with the knowledge of the land and the ability to handle himself in tough situations – qualities essential for a man destined to enforce the law in a rugged and unforgiving territory.
Scarborough’s transition from cowboy to lawman began in 1885 when he was appointed sheriff of Jones County, Texas. This marked the official start of his career in law enforcement, a path that would lead him through dangerous encounters and moral complexities. As sheriff, he was responsible for maintaining order in a region often plagued by cattle rustling, banditry, and other forms of lawlessness. He quickly gained a reputation for being a fearless and effective lawman, willing to confront danger head-on. His commitment to justice and his ability to navigate the intricacies of frontier politics earned him the respect of both his community and his peers.
The 1890s saw George Scarborough take on a new challenge, accepting the position of U.S. Deputy Marshal in El Paso, a bustling border town rife with criminal activity. This role placed him on the front lines of the fight against federal crimes, including smuggling, counterfeiting, and, most notably, cattle rustling. El Paso was a melting pot of cultures and a magnet for outlaws, making it a particularly dangerous and demanding assignment. Scarborough’s experience as a Texas sheriff, combined with his innate sense of justice, made him a valuable asset to the U.S. Marshal’s office.
One of the most controversial episodes in George Scarborough‘s career occurred on June 21, 1895, when he and fellow U.S. Deputy Marshal Jeff Milton pursued and killed Martin Monrose, a notorious cattle rustler. The incident was fraught with controversy, particularly after the infamous outlaw John Wesley Hardin claimed that he had paid Milton and Scarborough to assassinate Monrose. Hardin’s accusations, though later retracted, cast a shadow over Scarborough’s reputation and led to a brief arrest for both lawmen. The fact that Hardin, a man known for his own violent exploits, would make such a claim speaks to the treacherous nature of the Wild West and the ease with which reputations could be tarnished. Ultimately, the charges were dropped when Hardin recanted his statement, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the moral ambiguities that often plagued law enforcement in the Old West.
The saga took another dramatic turn when John Henry Selman, a former friend of Scarborough’s who had gained notoriety for killing John Wesley Hardin in August 1895, accused Scarborough of stealing money from Monrose’s body after the shooting. This accusation, fueled by personal animosity and the pervasive distrust that characterized the era, led to a confrontation between the two men at the Wigwam Saloon in El Paso on April 2, 1896. The ensuing argument escalated quickly, culminating in a deadly shootout that left Selman dead. The incident further solidified George Scarborough‘s image as a man embroiled in violence, a reputation that would follow him for the rest of his days.
Following the Selman incident, George Scarborough sought a fresh start, relocating to Deming, New Mexico. There, he found work as a gunman for the Grant County Cattlemen’s Association, an organization dedicated to protecting the interests of local ranchers from cattle thieves and other threats. His reputation as a skilled and ruthless lawman preceded him, making him a valuable asset to the association. During his time in Deming, Scarborough was also involved in the arrest of Pearl Hart, a female stagecoach robber who gained notoriety for her audacious crimes. This incident further cemented his status as a prominent figure in the world of Western law enforcement.
The final chapter of George Scarborough‘s life was marked by a fateful encounter with members of the Wild Bunch, a notorious gang of outlaws that terrorized the American West. On April 5, 1900, while pursuing several members of the gang, including the infamous Will Carver, Scarborough was caught in a fierce gunfight. During the exchange of gunfire, Scarborough was struck in the leg, a wound that would ultimately prove fatal.
Despite being seriously wounded, Scarborough was transported back to Deming, New Mexico, where doctors determined that his leg needed to be amputated in a desperate attempt to save his life. Sadly, the amputation was not enough to overcome the severity of the injury, and George Scarborough succumbed to his wounds the following day, bringing an end to a life filled with adventure, danger, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
George Scarborough‘s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a man of his time, a product of the harsh realities of the American West. He was a lawman who walked a fine line between upholding the law and resorting to the same violence he sought to suppress. While his methods were often controversial, his dedication to his duty and his unwavering commitment to justice are undeniable. He stands as a testament to the challenges and complexities of law enforcement in a lawless era, a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who sought to bring order to the Wild West. His life serves as a captivating window into a bygone era, a time when courage, determination, and a willingness to face danger were essential for survival.