James Barton – Los Angeles Sheriff Killed in the Line of Duty
In the annals of law enforcement history, certain names resonate with the weight of sacrifice and duty. Among these figures stands James R. Barton, the second sheriff of Los Angeles County, California, whose life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. His story, set against the backdrop of a burgeoning and often lawless Los Angeles in the mid-19th century, serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who sought to maintain order in a volatile frontier environment. This is the story of James Barton, a man who embodied the spirit of the early West and paid the ultimate price for his commitment to justice.
Born in Howard County, Missouri, in 1810, James Barton’s early life provided little indication of the pivotal role he would later play in the development of law enforcement in Southern California. In 1841, seeking new opportunities, he ventured south into Mexico, a decision that would ultimately lead him to the burgeoning pueblo of Los Angeles. Two years later, in 1843, he arrived in Los Angeles, a town still under Mexican rule, characterized by its dusty streets, adobe buildings, and a population grappling with the challenges of a rapidly changing society. He initially worked as a carpenter, contributing to the physical construction of the town. However, the winds of change were blowing, and Barton soon found himself embroiled in the tumultuous events of the Mexican-American War. He actively participated in the conflict, demonstrating a commitment to the region that would later define his career in law enforcement.
The year 1851 marked a turning point in James Barton’s life. As Los Angeles transitioned from Mexican territory to an American county, he entered the political arena and successfully campaigned for the position of sheriff. He officially took office in 1852, embarking on a three-year term that would test his resolve and expose him to the harsh realities of frontier justice. The Los Angeles County of the 1850s was a far cry from the sprawling metropolis it is today. It was a land of vast open spaces, burgeoning ranchos, and a transient population drawn by the allure of opportunity. However, this influx of people also brought with it a surge in crime, ranging from petty theft to violent assaults and even murder.
Barton’s tenure as sheriff was marked by his efforts to maintain law and order in this challenging environment. He faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of resources, a vast and sparsely populated jurisdiction, and a populace often resistant to authority. One particular incident during his first term deeply affected him. A vigilante group, frustrated with the perceived inadequacies of the legal system, took matters into their own hands and lynched one of Barton’s prisoners. This event shook Barton’s faith in the system and prompted him to decline to run for reelection in 1856.
However, the lure of public service and a sense of duty proved too strong to resist. After a year away from the sheriff’s office, James Barton once again sought the position and was reelected, resuming his duties in 1857. This was a particularly turbulent time for Los Angeles County, with violent crime reaching alarming levels, averaging one violent death per day. The infamous Flores-Daniels Gang, led by Juan Flores and Pancho Daniel, terrorized the region, engaging in robberies, murder, and general mayhem. The gang’s brazen activities posed a significant challenge to law enforcement and instilled fear in the hearts of the citizens.
On January 22, 1857, Sheriff James Barton, along with Deputies William H. Little, Charles K. Baker, Charles T. Daly, and three other men, embarked on a fateful mission to capture the Flores-Daniels Gang, who had recently raided the town of San Juan Capistrano. The posse, armed and determined, set out south, camping for the night before stopping for breakfast at the main house of the Rancho San Joaquin, southwest of present-day Santa Ana. Don Jose Sepulveda, the ranch owner, a man familiar with the dangers of the region, cautioned Barton and his men against proceeding without reinforcements, warning them that they were severely outnumbered. Sepulveda’s words carried the weight of experience, but Barton, driven by a sense of urgency and duty, chose to press on.
Ignoring the ranch owner’s warning, James Barton and his men continued their pursuit of the Flores-Daniels Gang. After traveling about 12 miles south, they entered a narrow canyon, unaware that they were walking into a deadly trap. As they rode through the canyon, a hail of gunfire erupted from the surrounding hillsides. The gang, lying in ambush, unleashed a devastating volley upon the unsuspecting lawmen. In the chaos and confusion, the deputies attempted to return fire, but to their horror, they discovered that their weapons were useless. Someone, suspected to be a ranch servant who had been bribed or coerced by the gang, had removed the ammunition from their guns.
Unarmed and vulnerable, the lawmen were left with no choice but to flee. However, escape proved impossible for some. Sheriff Barton, Constable Charles Baker, Deputy Charles Daly, and Constable William Little were all struck down by the gang’s gunfire, becoming the first law enforcement officers in Los Angeles County to lose their lives in the line of duty. The remaining three men managed to escape the ambush and carried the grim news back to Los Angeles.
The news of the ambush and the deaths of Sheriff James Barton and his deputies sent shockwaves through Los Angeles County. The community was outraged by the brazen attack and the loss of their dedicated lawmen. Within two hours, a new posse of some 60 men was formed, led by James Thompson, who would later become Los Angeles County’s new sheriff. This larger posse, fueled by a thirst for vengeance, immediately set out after the Flores-Daniels Gang. The posse, led by Thompson, soon discovered the mutilated bodies of the four officers, further intensifying their resolve. The pursuit of the outlaws became a matter of honor and a testament to the community’s determination to restore law and order.
The posse, now driven by a burning desire for justice, relentlessly pursued the Flores-Daniels Gang. They scoured the countryside, searching every canyon and hiding place, determined to bring the outlaws to justice. Their efforts paid off, and within a short period, they managed to arrest 52 members of the gang. Another posse, led by General Andres Pico, a prominent figure in Southern California, encountered two of the most notorious members of the gang and summarily lynched them, dispensing their own form of frontier justice.
The remaining captured gang members were housed in the county jail, awaiting trial. However, the community’s thirst for retribution was not easily quenched. On February 14, 1857, eleven men, including Juan Flores himself, were hanged for their crimes. Pancho Daniel, who had managed to elude capture in the initial roundup, was apprehended the following year and met a similar fate, being hanged on November 30, 1858. In the end, more than 100 gang members were either captured or killed in the pursuit, effectively dismantling the Flores-Daniels Gang and restoring a semblance of peace to Los Angeles County.
The legacy of James Barton extends far beyond his tragic death. He represents the courage and dedication of the early law enforcement officers who faced immense challenges in bringing law and order to the American West. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in the profession and the importance of honoring those who have given their lives in the service of their communities. Today, James Barton is remembered as a hero, a symbol of justice in a lawless era, and a founding figure in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who strive to uphold the law, even in the face of overwhelming odds.