Lawmen List – A
The American West, a period romanticized and often sensationalized, was a crucible of transformation where the ideals of law and order clashed dramatically with the realities of a burgeoning frontier. As pioneers, families, and entrepreneurs ventured westward, they carried with them a desire for stability and justice, a stark contrast to the lawlessness that often prevailed. This demand fueled the need for dedicated individuals willing to risk their lives to uphold the law in some of the most dangerous and remote settlements across the land.
The role of the lawman in the Old West was multifaceted and fraught with peril. Marshals and sheriffs were highly sought after in notoriously wild towns such as Dodge City, Kansas, and Las Vegas, New Mexico. These were not the only places where the need for lawmen was great. The rise of mining camps, like Deadwood, South Dakota; Coloma, California; and Leadville, Colorado, further amplified the need for figures of authority who could maintain order amidst the chaos of rapid population growth and the lure of quick riches.
These communities, initially dominated by men seeking fortune and adventure, often attracted the underbelly of society – the gamblers, saloon owners, and those involved in illicit activities. Yet, alongside these elements were honest businessmen, hard-working pioneers, and families striving to build a new life. These citizens recognized that the establishment of law and order was paramount to their success and security, leading them to actively seek out and support individuals dedicated to peacekeeping.
In situations where official law enforcement was lacking or ineffective, the responsibility for maintaining order sometimes fell to vigilante groups. These groups, often composed of concerned citizens, took the law into their own hands, dispensing justice as they saw fit. While their intentions were often rooted in a genuine desire for safety and stability, their methods were frequently controversial and could blur the lines between justice and revenge.
Interestingly, the lives of Old West lawmen were not always as clear-cut as the stories might suggest. Some individuals found themselves walking a tightrope between the right and wrong sides of the law, a duality that adds complexity to their historical portrayal. This ambiguity is reflected in the fact that some figures appear on both lawmen lists and outlaw lists, highlighting the fluid and often contradictory nature of justice in the Old West.
This exploration of the lawmen of the Old West offers a glimpse into the lives and careers of those who dedicated themselves to upholding the law in a challenging and often unforgiving environment. The following list, beginning with the letter "A," provides summaries of individuals who served as lawmen during this era, shedding light on their contributions, their challenges, and their legacies.
A
Agapito Abeyta – Abeyta served as a lawman in Mora County, New Mexico. His career was marred by controversy when he was implicated in the murder of John Doherty, a stain that underscores the complexities and dangers faced by those in law enforcement during this time.
John R. Abernathy, aka Wolf Catcher, Catch ‘Em Alive Jack (1876–1941) – Abernathy, a figure of considerable renown, held the distinction of being the last U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Oklahoma Territory, serving from 1906 to 1910. His nickname, "Wolf Catcher," stemmed from his extraordinary ability to capture wolves, a testament to his skills as a frontiersman and his dedication to protecting the territory’s livestock.
David Adams – Adams served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Muskogee, Indian Territory, contributing to the enforcement of federal law in a region often characterized by its unique blend of cultures and legal jurisdictions.
John Adams – As a Deputy Sheriff of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, John Adams was responsible for maintaining law and order at the local level, addressing the day-to-day challenges of a growing community.
John Hicks “J.H.” Adams (18??-1878) – Adams served as the Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California, and also held the position of U.S. Deputy Marshal. His dedication to duty led to his tragic death in 1878, alongside Marshal Cornelius Finley, a reminder of the sacrifices made by lawmen in the line of duty.
Tom Adams – Tom Adams served as a Special Officer in Carter County, Oklahoma, tasked with addressing specific law enforcement needs within the county.
W.E. Agee – Agee held the position of Deputy Sheriff of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, contributing to the county’s law enforcement efforts.
Eugenio Alarid – Alarid’s career exemplifies the blurred lines between lawmen and outlaws in the Old West. He served as an officer in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in the 1890s, while simultaneously belonging to Silva’s White Caps gang, a group known for its vigilante activities.
Alfred Y. Allee (1855-1896) – Allee began his career as a Texas Ranger before being appointed Deputy Sheriff of Karnes County, Texas, in 1882. He later served as Deputy Sheriff of Frio County, Texas. His reputation was solidified when he shot and killed robber Brack Cornett in 1888. Allee’s life was cut short in 1896 when he was stabbed to death in a barroom brawl in Laredo, Texas.
Abe Allen – Allen served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal for the Indian Nations, working under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker’s court in the 1880s and 1890s, contributing to the enforcement of federal law within the tribal territories.
John Allen – Allen worked as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, operating out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, a key hub for law enforcement in the region.
John Oliver Allen (1850-1928) – Allen led a life deeply intertwined with the frontier. He served as a cowboy and Texas Ranger, and was wounded four times in skirmishes with Native Americans. After leaving the Texas Rangers, he became a chaplain for the Texas Ex-Rangers’ Association.
Andrew C. Alexander – Alexander was commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona Territory on July 1, 1896.
Oscar William Alexander – As a lawman in Oklahoma, Alexander was killed near Hoxbar by the Love Brothers in Carter County, highlighting the dangers faced by those in law enforcement.
Charles Allison – Allison’s story is one of a lawman who turned to a life of crime. After being appointed deputy sheriff of Conejos County, Colorado, he organized a band of outlaws. He was captured in 1881 by Sheriff Matt Kyle and sentenced to prison, later released in 1890.
William David “Dave” Allison (1861-1923) – Allison dedicated his life to law enforcement, serving as a six-time elected sheriff in Midland, Texas; an Arizona Ranger; a Texas Ranger; and in various other law enforcement positions in Texas and New Mexico. He was killed by two cattle rustlers in 1923.
Fielding Alston – Alston served as a lieutenant in the Texas Rangers in 1847.
Burton “Burt” Alvord (1866-1910) – Alvord’s life was marked by a duality. He served as a deputy sheriff in Cochise County, Arizona, under Sheriff John Slaughter in 1886 before leading a band of train robbers.
Thomas Amos – While serving as sheriff in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, in 1887, Amos tracked down and killed an Indian man named Pero, for whom he had a “dead or alive” warrant. In November, Amos and his brother-in-law, Washington Hudson, were ambushed and killed by two Indians avenging Pero’s death.
Bernard Anderson – Anderson served as a deputy marshal in the New Mexico Territory, contributing to the enforcement of law in the region.
David L. Anderson, aka William “Billy” Wilson, Buffalo Bill (1862-1918) – Most commonly known as Billy Wilson, Anderson was a member of Billy the Kid’s Gang. After serving time, he went to Texas, becoming a U.S. customs inspector and the Terrell County Sheriff in 1905. He was killed in the line of duty in 1918.
Frank Anderson – Anderson served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory.
John E. Anderson – Anderson was commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona Territory on August 17, 1878.
John P. Anderson – Anderson worked as a policeman in Perry, Oklahoma Territory.
Peter Anderson (1845?-1890) – A full-blooded Potawatomi Indian, Peter Anderson was deputized for an Oklahoma County, Oklahoma posse to assist officers in apprehending a cattle rustler. He was killed in the line of duty.
William H. Anderson (18??-1878) – After the Civil War, Anderson worked as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Dallas. He tracked Bill Collins, a wanted train robber, to Pembina in Dakota Territory (North Dakota), where they shot and killed each other in a gunfight.
Robert Andrew – While serving as a deputy sheriff in Oklahoma, Andrew arrested Ragged Bill and discovered the Doolin Gang Hideout.
Elias Andrews – Andrews served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Creek and Cherokee Nations of Indian Territory.
Captain Micah Andrews – Andrews commanded the Texas Rangers in 1837.
William “Red” Angus (1849-1922) – Angus served as the Sheriff of Johnson County, Wyoming, and was involved in the Johnson County War.
Orr William Annis (1859-1931) – Annis was a cattleman, businessman, and U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory and Sheriff of Payne County, Oklahoma from 1897-1901.
Arizona Rangers (1901-1909) – The Arizona Rangers were organized in 1901 to protect the Arizona Territory from outlaws and rustlers. After accomplishing their goals, they were disbanded in 1909.
William Edward Armorer – Armorer worked as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, operating out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and assigned to the Indian Territory.
Charles Armstrong – Armstrong was a Texas lawman who served as a Texas Ranger and fought Mexicans on the border during WWI.
Henry Clay Armstrong, Jr. – Armstrong served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal working out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
John Barclay Armstrong (1850-1913) – Armstrong was a soldier, rancher, Texas Ranger, and U.S. Deputy Marshal.
William “Bill” Arnold (18??-1898) – Arnold was deputized as a posseman by U.S. Deputy Marshal Hess Bussey on the evening of March 17, 1898, and was killed in the line of duty.
George Washington Arrington, aka John C. Orrick (1844-1923) – Arrington was a Texas Ranger and Wheeler County, Texas Sheriff.
Guadalupe Ascarate – Ascarate was a sheriff in New Mexico Territory, eventually replaced by Pat Garrett.
Albert S. Ashby – Ashby was a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona Territory, commissioned on February 23, 1881.
Charles Askins – Askins was an American lawman, U.S. Army officer, and writer known for his skills as a gunman and work in the American Border Patrol.
Edwin Aten – Edwin joined the Texas Rangers after his brother Ira Aten and was assigned to Company D.
Ira Aten (1862–1953) – Aten was a Texas Ranger who was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.
Lee Atkins (1860-1894) – A newly appointed U.S. Deputy Marshal in Oklahoma, Atkins, a Creek Indian, had not even seen service when Amos McIntosh killed him.
Christopher Columbus Ayers – Ayers served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal and jailer, working out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Jacob T. Ayers – Ayers was a U.S. Deputy Marshal, working out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Willard R. Ayers (1847-1880) – Ayers was a U.S. Deputy Marshal working out of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was killed in the line of duty.