How Skill Caught a Criminal and Luck Saved the Lawman’s Life
In the annals of the American West, tales of daring lawmen and ruthless outlaws intertwine to form a rich tapestry of history and legend. Among these stories is one passed down through generations of a Montana family, a narrative that speaks to the sharp skills of a determined lawman and the capricious hand of fate. This is the story of Frank Latta, a man who epitomized the spirit of the West, and his pursuit of the notorious railroad extortionist, Isaac "Ike" Gravelle. This captivating account illustrates how skill caught a criminal and luck saved the lawman’s life.
The year was 1903, a time when the railroads held immense power and influence across the burgeoning American landscape. The Northern Pacific Railroad, a vital artery connecting communities and commerce, found itself the target of a brazen extortion scheme. Anonymous letters, laced with threats of sabotage and destruction, demanded a staggering sum of $25,000. The author, later identified as Ike Gravelle, promised to unleash chaos upon the railroad if his demands were not met. Initially, the railroad executives dismissed the threats as the rantings of a disgruntled individual. However, Gravelle soon proved that he was a man of his word.
The situation escalated dramatically when Gravelle made good on his threats. A railroad bridge spanning the Yellowstone River was reduced to rubble in a thunderous explosion. Not long after, an engine was hurled from the tracks near Birdseye, Montana, and a train was derailed west of Elliston. The attacks sent shockwaves through the state and beyond, highlighting the vulnerability of the railroad and the audacity of the perpetrator. Law enforcement agencies were under intense pressure to bring the criminal to justice. The stakes were high, and the safety of countless lives depended on apprehending Gravelle before he could inflict further damage. The pursuit of Gravelle showcased how skill caught a criminal and luck saved the lawman’s life.
The investigation took a crucial turn when a ranch hand from Antelope Springs stumbled upon a suspicious scene near the Missouri River. While riding along the tracks, the ranch hand discovered a man sleeping in a haystack. The man, startled by the unexpected encounter, fled on horseback, leaving behind a rucksack filled with dynamite and a single spur. The discovery of the dynamite confirmed the man’s connection to the railroad attacks, and the spur provided a crucial clue to his identity. A local blacksmith in Helena recognized the spur as one he had crafted for Ike Gravelle, an ex-convict with a reputation for trouble. With Gravelle identified as the prime suspect, the hunt was officially on. The tale of how skill caught a criminal and luck saved the lawman’s life began to unfold.
In October 1903, Gravelle was spotted 23 miles west of Helena, setting in motion a relentless pursuit led by three determined lawmen: Major James Keown, Bert Reynolds, and Frank Latta. Latta, the great-grandfather of the storyteller, possessed renowned tracking skills honed through years of experience in the rugged Montana terrain. The lawmen employed a pack of bloodhounds and relied heavily on Latta’s expertise to follow Gravelle’s trail. Through the darkness of night, they doggedly pursued their quarry, traversing the treacherous terrain of McDonald Pass, Mullan Tunnel, and Priest Pass. The pursuit was arduous and fraught with danger, but the lawmen were unwavering in their determination to bring Gravelle to justice.
According to editor Frank Walker in Speaking Ill of the Dead: Jerks in Montana History, the pursuit culminated in a dramatic capture. The lawmen cornered Gravelle at his old hog ranch near Priest Pass, and without firing a single shot, they apprehended their man. The capture was a testament to the lawmen’s skill and perseverance, as well as Gravelle’s ultimate miscalculation. The triumphant captors paraded Gravelle through the streets of Helena, his hands bound behind his back. Hundreds of townspeople lined Helena Avenue, eager to catch a glimpse of the blackmailer who had terrorized the state for months. The capture of Gravelle was a significant victory for law enforcement and a moment of relief for the entire community. The narrative of how skill caught a criminal and luck saved the lawman’s life gained momentum.
On New Year’s Eve 1903, Gravelle was brought to justice and convicted for his crimes. However, the saga was far from over. Before being led away to jail, Gravelle requested to use the men’s room. There, concealed in a stall, a revolver had been planted for him, presumably by accomplices or sympathizers. Seizing the opportunity, Gravelle made a daring escape, shooting and killing Deputy Anton Korizek in the ensuing struggle. Before his capture, Gravelle had reportedly expressed his desire to kill Frank Latta, the lawman who had relentlessly tracked him down. The escape plunged the community back into a state of fear and uncertainty, as the notorious criminal was once again at large.
As fate would have it, Frank Latta was returning to the courthouse after purchasing a new Stetson with some of the reward money he had earned for Gravelle’s capture. As he walked up the courthouse steps, Gravelle brushed past him, making his escape down the street. In his desperate flight, Gravelle shot and mortally wounded another man, a witness at his trial who had drawn his own revolver and given chase. The situation was chaotic and perilous, with lives hanging in the balance. The chase was a race against time, as lawmen scrambled to recapture Gravelle before he could inflict further harm.
The lawmen eventually cornered Gravelle in the stairway leading down to the coal room of the newly constructed Montana governor’s mansion. With no escape possible, Gravelle turned the gun on himself, ending his life. The dramatic turn of events brought a definitive end to Gravelle’s reign of terror, but the incident left a lasting impact on the community. In the aftermath of the escape and Gravelle’s suicide, people questioned Frank Latta about why Gravelle had not shot him during his escape. Gravelle had made it clear that he intended to kill Latta, the man responsible for his capture.
Latta’s response was simple and understated. He explained that he had been wearing his new Stetson, suggesting that Gravelle may not have recognized him in the unfamiliar hat. While seemingly a lighthearted explanation, it highlighted the role of chance in the events that unfolded. The new Stetson, a symbol of Latta’s success in capturing Gravelle, may have inadvertently saved his life. The story underscores how skill caught a criminal and luck saved the lawman’s life. The tale serves as a reminder that even in the most dangerous situations, the smallest details can have a profound impact on the outcome. The photograph of Latta wearing a similar hat years later, alongside the author’s mother, serves as a tangible connection to this remarkable story. The brim of the hat, casting a shadow over Latta’s features, makes it easy to imagine how Gravelle might have failed to recognize him on that fateful day. While Latta’s mustache may have been a distinguishing feature, it may not have been as prominent in 1903 as it was in later years. Ultimately, the story of Frank Latta and Ike Gravelle is a testament to the courage and skill of lawmen in the Old West, as well as the unpredictable nature of fate.