Lawmen List – H

The American West, a vast and often lawless expanse, witnessed the rise of numerous figures who dedicated their lives to upholding justice. These lawmen , often operating in harsh and unforgiving environments, became symbols of order and courage. This article delves into the lives and careers of several notable lawmen whose surnames begin with the letter "H," exploring their contributions to the history of law enforcement in the American West. From U.S. Deputy Marshals to Texas Rangers, these individuals played crucial roles in shaping the landscape of justice during a tumultuous era. This Lawmen List – H article highlights some of the brave individuals who enforced the law in the Old West.

Wiley G. Haines (1860-1928)

Wiley G. Haines was a dedicated lawman who served in various capacities within the Oklahoma Territory. His career encompassed roles as an Undersheriff in County P, a U.S. Deputy Marshal for the Oklahoma Territory, and Chief of the Osage Indian Police. Haines’ multifaceted service highlights the diverse demands placed upon law enforcement officials in the developing West. He bridged the gap between territorial governance, federal authority, and tribal law enforcement, contributing to a more structured legal framework in a rapidly changing landscape.

Jesse Lee “Red” Hall (1849-1911)

Born in Lexington, North Carolina, Jesse Lee "Red" Hall embarked on a westward journey, arriving in Texas by 1869. His career in law enforcement began as a deputy sheriff in Denison and later as a city marshal in Sherman. Hall’s dedication and skill led him to join the esteemed Texas Rangers under Captain L.H. McNelly, serving with distinction from August 1876 to February 1880. He rose to the rank of second lieutenant within the Special Forces of the Texas Rangers, earning a reputation as a strong and capable officer. His contributions included helping to quell the infamous Sutton-Taylor Feud and playing a pivotal role in the arrest of notorious figure John King Fisher.

After his service with the Texas Rangers, Hall embraced a new chapter, marrying and raising five daughters while managing a ranch. His commitment to public service continued as he became an Indian Agent for the Anadarko tribe. Further demonstrating his dedication to his country, Hall raised two companies of volunteers during the Spanish-American War and served in the Philippines as a leader of the Macabebe Scouts until his departure from military service in October 1900. Hall’s life was one of service, spanning law enforcement, military duty, and dedication to the well-being of Native American communities. He died on March 17, 1911, and was buried with honors at the National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Frank Hamer (1884-1955)

Captain Frank Hamer stands as one of the most iconic figures in Texas law enforcement history. A legendary Texas Ranger, Hamer is best known for leading the posse that successfully tracked down and brought to justice the infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. His relentless pursuit and tactical expertise brought an end to the duo’s reign of terror, solidifying his place in the annals of American law enforcement. Hamer’s career extended far beyond the Bonnie and Clyde case, encompassing decades of service as a Texas Ranger and lawman, during which he confronted numerous challenges and earned the respect of his peers and the public alike.

Dee Harkey (1866-1948)

Dee Harkey’s life embodies the multifaceted nature of the Old West. Born in Richland Springs, Texas, he experienced a difficult childhood, orphaned at the age of three and raised by an older brother. His early life was marked by violence, including witnessing Indian attacks and the tragic loss of three brothers in gunfights. Harkey’s early career path led him to work as a farmhand and cowboy. At the age of 16, he became a deputy under his brother, Joe, who had been elected sheriff of San Saba County, Texas. Following a personal conflict that resulted in the death of a neighbor, Harkey relocated to Carlsbad, New Mexico, in 1890, where he was appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal.

Harkey’s career as a lawman in New Mexico spanned many years and various positions, including town marshal and Cattle Inspector. After his retirement from law enforcement, he pursued ranching in Eddy County, remaining there until his death in his eighties. Harkey’s life story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to survive and thrive in the challenging environment of the American West.

James Harris (Unknown – 1880s)

James Harris, a gunman and former lawman , met a tragic end during a duel with Bob Majors in Santa Cruz, California, in the 1880s. While details surrounding his life and career are scarce, his story serves as a reminder of the ever-present danger and violence that characterized life in the Old West, even for those who once upheld the law.

Caleb “Loss” Lawson Hart (1862-1934)

Caleb "Loss" Lawson Hart, born in Park County, Texas, dedicated eleven years of his life to serving as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory. During his time in law enforcement, he gained notoriety for killing the notorious outlaw Bill Dalton near Elk, Oklahoma. Two years after this event, Hart transitioned to a new career in merchandising in McGee, Oklahoma. Hart faced further adversity when he barely survived a smallpox attack. He died on January 31, 1934, and was buried in McGee.

John Coffee “Jack” Hays (1817-1883)

John Coffee "Jack" Hays was a celebrated captain of the Texas Rangers, known for his bravery and leadership during both the Indian Wars and the Mexican-American War. Hays’s contributions to the Texas Rangers were immense, helping to establish their reputation as a formidable and effective fighting force. His tactical skills and unwavering commitment to duty made him a respected figure on the Texas frontier.

Jack Helm (1839-1873)

John Jackson "Jack" Helm led a life filled with adventure and conflict. He was a Texas cowboy, Confederate soldier, gunfighter, and lawman . His involvement in the Sutton-Taylor Feud in DeWitt County led to his pursuit and death at the hands of Jim Taylor and John Wesley Hardin in July 1873. Helm’s story exemplifies the complex and often violent nature of personal and political conflicts in the post-Civil War era.

James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok (1837-1876)

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, a legendary figure of the American West, served as a marshal in Abilene and Hays City, Kansas. Though also known as a gunfighter, Hickok’s reputation as a lawman was considerable. His life was tragically cut short when he was killed by Jack McCall in Deadwood, South Dakota, in 1876. Hickok remains a symbol of the romanticized and often dangerous world of the Old West.

James Hicks (See Tom Horn)

See Tom Horn.

Fred R. Higgins (Unknown – Unknown)

Fred R. Higgins, commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Arizona in the 1890s, demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in his pursuit of justice. Following an attempted bank robbery by Black Jack Christian’s High Fives Gang in Nogales, Arizona, Higgins and seven other posse members set out to apprehend the outlaws. In a gunfight that erupted in the San Simon Valley on November 18, 1896, Higgins sustained injuries when splinters were showered into his face. Despite this, he persevered, returning fire and killing outlaw Bob Hayes. Black Jack Christian and two other outlaws managed to escape.

Higgins and his posse continued their pursuit, eventually tracking the fugitives to a cave near Clifton, Arizona, the following April. Another gunfight ensued, resulting in Christian’s death and the escape of the remaining two outlaws. After the turn of the century, Higgins became the sheriff of Chaves County, New Mexico. His relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to his duty exemplify the dedication of law enforcement officials in the Old West.

George W. Hindman (Unknown – 1878)

George W. Hindman, originally from Texas, worked as a cowboy before arriving in New Mexico in 1875. He found employment at a ranch owned by Robert Casey in Lincoln County. Later, he became a deputy under Sheriff William Brady, just before the outbreak of the Lincoln County War. On February 18, 1878, Hindman participated in the posse that killed John Tunstall, an event that ignited the bloody conflict. On April 1, 1878, while walking down Lincoln’s main street with Sheriff Brady, they were ambushed by Billy the Kid and his cohorts. Both lawmen were killed in the attack.

Edward O. Hogue (1847-1877)

Edward O. Hogue, born in France in 1847, immigrated to the United States and began his career in law enforcement in 1872 as a policeman in Ellsworth, Kansas. He later served as city marshal. After the police force was terminated, Hogue was left to make arrests on his own. Despite losing the election for sheriff in 1873, he continued his service as a deputy sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas, two years later. Hogue’s life ended in Wyoming at the age of 30.

John Henry “Doc” Holliday (1851-1887)

John Henry "Doc" Holliday, a dentist-turned-gambler and gunfighter, was deputized by Virgil Earp in Tombstone, Arizona, to help combat the Clanton Gang. This alliance culminated in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in October 1881. Holliday’s involvement in this event cemented his place in Western lore. He died of tuberculosis in Colorado in 1887.

Cassius “Cash” M. Hollister (1845-1884)

Cassius "Cash" M. Hollister, born near Cleveland, Ohio, made his way to Kansas in 1877. He was elected mayor of Caldwell, Kansas, on October 28, 1879, holding the position until April 1880. Hollister was appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal in 1883 and was involved in the Hunnewell Gunfight. On November 21, 1883, he and Ben Wheeler killed Chet Van Meter, who was resisting arrest. Hollister resigned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in September 1884 but continued to serve as a deputy sheriff of Sumner County, Kansas. On October 18, 1884, he was killed while attempting to arrest Bob Cross, who was wanted for abducting the daughter of a farmer.

William “Hunky Dory” Holmes (Unknown – 1889)

William "Hunky Dory" Holmes, a lawman , served as a deputy sheriff under Sheriff Glen Reynolds of Gila County, Arizona. He was murdered by the Apache Kid and his men while transporting the outlaw to the Yuma Prison.

Tom Horn, aka: James Hicks (1860-1903)

Tom Horn, also known as James Hicks, began his career with the Pinkerton Agency in 1890, proving to be highly effective in tracking down outlaws. He later worked as a cattle detective in Wyoming and became entangled in the Johnson County War. Horn’s life took a darker turn as he began offering his services as a hired gunslinger. He was eventually arrested and hanged on November 20, 1903.

Joe Horner (See Frank M. Canton)

See Frank M. Canton.

J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972)

John Edgar Hoover served as the first and longest-serving Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Hoover built the FBI into a large and efficient crime-fighting agency. He was a controversial figure due to his secret abuses of power, and rumors of homosexuality and cross-dressing.

James D. Houck (1846-1921)

James D. Houck was a miner, trader, pioneer, lawman , and namesake of Houck, Arizona. He was involved in the Pleasant Valley War with Commodore Perry Owens and helped establish the city of Cave Creek in Maricopa County.

Neil Howie (1834-1874)

Neil Howie was a territorial lawman in Montana who often collaborated with the Montana Vigilantes to rid the territory of outlaws.

Thomas J. Hueston (Unknown – 1893)

Thomas J. Hueston, appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Oklahoma Territory, participated in the pursuit of Doolin-Dalton Gang member Oliver Yantis, who was involved in the Caney, Oklahoma train robbery and the Spearville, Kansas bank robbery in 1892. During a confrontation at Yantis’s sister’s ranch, Hueston fatally shot the outlaw. Later, Hueston was part of a posse attempting to capture members of the Doolin-Dalton Gang hiding in Ingalls, Oklahoma, when the Ingalls Gunbattle erupted. Hueston was shot by "Arkansas Tom" Jones and died the following day. Deputy Lafayette Shadley and Dick Speed were also killed in the shootout.

John Reynolds Hughes (1855-1947)

John Reynolds Hughes was a cowboy, rancher, author, and one of the most influential and recognized Texas Rangers during his lifetime. He served as a Texas Ranger for 28 years, longer than any other man, retiring on January 31, 1915.

James B. Hume (1827-1904)

James B. Hume was a miner, trader, and lawman in California after the Gold Rush. He left his mark on history as a Wells Fargo detective who captured stagecoach robbers such as Black Bart.

Alexander Cameron Hunt (1825-1894)

Born in New York on December 25, 1825, Hunt became a U.S. Marshal for the Colorado District in June 1862. Hunt was later appointed the governor of Colorado by President Johnson in May 1867, a position he held until June 1869. He then worked in the railroad industry and became interested in coal mines near Laredo, Texas. He died in Chicago, Illinois, on May 24, 1894.

J. Frank Hunt (Unknown – 1880)

J. Frank Hunt, a Caldwell, Kansas deputy marshal, was shot to death by an unidentified man on October 11, 1880.

I

Tom Irvan (Unknown – Unknown)

Tom Irvan served as the Sheriff of Custer County, Montana, earning a reputation as one of the state’s most famous manhunters.