Old West Lawmen List – G

The American Old West, a period romanticized in countless tales of cowboys, gunfights, and dusty saloons, was also a time of burgeoning civilization and the desperate need for law and order. Figures who stepped up to the challenge, often facing immense danger and moral ambiguity, became legends in their own right. This article delves into the lives and careers of some of the Old West lawmen whose surnames begin with the letter "G," offering a glimpse into their contributions to the shaping of the American frontier.

These individuals, whether serving as sheriffs, marshals, or Texas Rangers, played a vital role in establishing a semblance of justice in a land often characterized by its lawlessness. Their stories, often intertwined with famous outlaws and pivotal events, offer a compelling look at the challenges and complexities of enforcing the law in the Wild West.

Peter Gabriel

John Peter Gabriel was a prominent figure in Pinal County, Arizona, during the tumultuous 1880s. He distinguished himself as a dedicated lawman, tirelessly pursuing the notorious Red Jack Gang and countless other bandits who threatened the peace of the region. His commitment to justice was unwavering, even in the face of grave danger. A testament to his courage and resilience occurred in 1888 when Gabriel was involved in a fierce gunfight in Florence, Arizona, against Joe Phy. Despite the intensity of the conflict, Gabriel miraculously survived, further cementing his reputation as a fearless and determined defender of the law.

Thomas Gannon

Elected sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas, on December 5, 1867, Thomas Gannon quickly earned a reputation as a serious and dedicated lawman. He aggressively pursued outlaws, often collaborating with local soldiers to maintain order. His commitment to justice was evident in his relentless pursuit of criminals. However, his tenure was tragically short-lived. In early April 1868, Gannon mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of uncertainty. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown, but speculation at the time suggested he was murdered to prevent his testimony against an outlaw in an upcoming trial. The Old West Lawmen List – G unfortunately includes figures whose stories ended in mystery, highlighting the precarious nature of their profession.

Raymond Hatfield Gardner, aka: Arizona Bill (1845-1940)

Raymond Hatfield Gardner, better known as "Arizona Bill," lived a life brimming with adventure and service. Born in Logansport, Louisiana, on July 5, 1845, his family soon relocated to Texas. His early life took an unexpected turn when he was kidnapped by Comanche Indians at the tender age of two. Traded to the Sioux, he was raised within their culture until the age of fifteen when he bravely escaped. Gardner’s journey led him to become a U.S. Army courier and, briefly, a Pony Express rider.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in the army, serving four terms and continuing as an Indian Scout. His service in Arizona, fighting against the Apache, earned him the moniker "Arizona Bill." In 1892, he joined Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show as an entertainer, showcasing his skills and experiences. Later in life, he served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal and an Arizona Ranger, further solidifying his place in the history of Old West Lawmen List – G. Gardner, in his later years, became a storyteller, authored a book, and even hosted his own radio show in the 1930s. After a long illness, he passed away at Fort Sam Houston Station Hospital in Texas on January 29, 1940. Due to a lack of immediate records, he was initially buried in a pauper’s grave. However, in 1976, his military service was documented, and his remains were re-interred at the Fort Sam Houston National Military Cemetery, a final recognition of his service and contributions.

Henry Garfias (1851-1896)

Henry Garfias stands out as one of the most honest and skilled lawmen and gunfighters of the American West. During his lifetime, Garfias was arguably one of the most honest lawmen and sharpest gunfighters in the American West, on par with more famous names such as Wyatt and Virgil Earp, and Wild Bill Hickok. His reputation for integrity and his sharp skills with a firearm earned him respect among his peers and instilled fear in the outlaws he pursued. He was a figure of unwavering resolve in the face of danger.

Buck Garrett (1871-1929)

Buck Garrett, nephew of the legendary Pat Garrett, carved his own path in the Old West. He was a participant in the Johnson County War in 1892, serving as one of Frank Wolcott’s "Regulators." Later, he served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Chickasaw Nation and as sheriff of Ardmore, Oklahoma. His most notable achievement came when he led the posse that brought down the notorious outlaw Bill Dalton, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated and effective lawman. The Old West Lawmen List – G includes individuals who inherited a tradition of law enforcement, carrying the torch of justice into a new generation.

Patrick “Pat” Garrett (1850–1908)

Pat Garrett is perhaps one of the most recognizable names associated with the Old West. As sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico, he was instrumental in bringing down some of the region’s most notorious outlaws. His most famous accomplishment was the pursuit and killing of Billy the Kid. Garrett also served as sheriff in El Dorado County and Dona Ana County, New Mexico, and even spent time as a Texas Ranger. His life ended tragically in 1908 when he was ambushed and killed. Pat Garrett’s inclusion in the Old West Lawmen List – G is a reminder of the dangerous and often violent realities faced by those who sought to enforce the law in the American West.

Sam Gay (1860-1932)

Sam Gay’s history is deeply intertwined with the early development of Clark County, Nevada, and the city of Las Vegas. During the first quarter of the 20th century, "Big Sam" Gay was a fixture of the law. For decades, he served as a lawman, contributing to the stability and growth of the region.

Augustus M. “Gus” Gildea (18??-1935)

Augustus M. "Gus" Gildea led a complex life, transitioning from a lawman and cowboy to an outlaw. Born in Dewitt County, Texas, on April 23, 1854, he worked as a cowboy from a young age and served as a part-time Texas Ranger, fighting against Native Americans. He also served as a deputy sheriff at Del Rio, Texas. Gildea’s path took a turn when he became involved in the turmoil of the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. He joined Selman’s Scouts and was later listed as wanted for investigation in connection with multiple murders. He eventually moved to Arizona, where he worked as a cowboy until his death from natural causes in Douglas, Arizona, on August 10, 1935. The story of Gus Gildea reminds us that the line between lawman and outlaw could sometimes be blurred, and that circumstances could lead individuals down unexpected paths.

James Buchannan Gillett (1856-1937)

James Buchannan Gillett, born in Austin, Texas, on November 4, 1856, dedicated his life to law enforcement and public service. After moving to Lampasas with his family around 1872, he worked as a cowhand before joining the Texas Rangers in 1875. During his six years as a Texas Ranger, Gillett served in several Texas counties, fighting Native Americans and dealing with outlaws. He resigned in the fall of 1881 but returned to law enforcement as the Assistant City Marshal in El Paso. In June 1882, he was promoted to Marshal of the city. He resigned in April 1885 to pursue ranching. In 1921, he authored "Six Years with the Texas Rangers," a book that became a school textbook. He retired in 1923, moving to Marfa, but remained active in the West Texas Historical Association. He died of heart failure on June 11, 1937, and was buried in Marfa, Texas. The inclusion of James Buchannan Gillett in the Old West Lawmen List – G highlights the importance of the Texas Rangers in maintaining order and protecting settlers on the Texas frontier.

Jim Gilliland

Jim Gilliland’s time as a U.S. Deputy Marshal of New Mexico Territory, beginning in March 1893, was marred by suspicion. A year later, he was accused of cattle rustling and murder, casting a shadow over his reputation and highlighting the potential for corruption even within law enforcement.

Deputy Sheriff Glasgow

Deputy Sheriff Glasgow served as a lawman in Georgetown, New Mexico. His name is forever linked to the killing of outlaw Boyd Dempster on December 26, 1881, a testament to the often-violent confrontations that defined law enforcement in the Old West.

Bill Goodlet

Bill Goodlet’s story takes a dark turn. Initially a lawman, he became a gunman and a member of the Dodge City Gang in Las Vegas, New Mexico. His transformation illustrates the dangerous allure of the outlaw lifestyle and the potential for lawmen to cross the line.

Charles Goodnight (1836-1929)

Charles Goodnight is best known as the co-founder of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, a vital route for cattle drives. However, he also served as a lawman and gunman. He joined the Texas Rangers in 1857 and served in the Civil War. Throughout his career, he fought against outlaws and Native Americans while driving cattle across Texas, New Mexico, and California. He outlived most of his contemporaries, passing away in Tucson, Arizona, on December 12, 1929, at the age of ninety-three. The Old West Lawmen List – G wouldn’t be complete without Charles Goodnight, a figure who embodies the multifaceted nature of life on the frontier.

Francis H. Goodwin

Francis H. Goodwin served as the U.S. Marshal of New Mexico Territory between February 1875 and July 1876, playing a crucial role in upholding federal law in the region.

Harold L. Gosling

Harold L. Gosling was appointed as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas in 1884. His dedication to duty led to his tragic death in the line of duty on February 21, 1885, while transporting two stage robbers on a train to prison. His sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by lawmen in the Old West.

Dayton Graham

Dayton Graham’s career as a peace officer in Bisbee, Arizona, took a dramatic turn when he was selected by Burt Mossman for the newly created Arizona Rangers in 1901. As a sergeant, Graham and Douglas, Arizona peace officer Tom Vaughn, pursued outlaw Bill Smith. During an attempted arrest at a general store in Douglas, Smith opened fire, hitting Vaughn in the neck and Graham in the chest and arm. Though initially believed to be dying, Graham miraculously recovered. After two months, he tracked down Smith in a saloon in southern Arizona and killed him in a gunfight.

Samuel Graham

Samuel Graham served as a Texas Ranger in Company A from July 1878 to 1880. He later re-enlisted and led the posse that captured Albert Gross, demonstrating his continued commitment to law enforcement.

Francisco “Pancho” Griego

Francisco “Pancho” Griego, a gunfighter and former city marshal of Santa Fe, New Mexico, met a violent end at the hands of Clay Allison on November 1, 1875, in Cimarron. His story is a stark reminder of the prevalence of violence and the dangers faced by those who carried a badge in the Old West.

William M. Griffith

William M. Griffith served as marshal of the Arizona Territory from June 15, 1897, to June 6, 1901, contributing to the establishment of law and order in the region.

Ahijah W. (A.W.) Grimes (1850-1878)

Ahijah W. Grimes, born in Bastrop, Texas, on July 5, 1850, began his lawman career as the Bastrop City Marshal in 1874. He joined the Texas Rangers in 1877 and later became a Deputy Sheriff of Williamson County in Round Rock, Texas. His life was tragically cut short when he confronted members of the Bass Gang, including Sam Bass, in Round Rock on July 19, 1878. He challenged them for carrying illegal handguns, and they responded by opening fire, killing him.

William Grimes (1857-1931)

William Grimes served as a U.S. Marshal in Indian Territory, briefly as the governor of Oklahoma, and as a businessman. His diverse career reflects the opportunities and challenges of the developing West.

Lewis Jack Gylam (18??-1873)

Lewis Jack Gylam, originally from Texas, became the second sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico, in 1872-73, succeeding William Brady. After losing the next election, Gylam became embroiled in conflict, threatening to kill Lawrence Murphy and James J. Dolan. He became associated with the Horrell brothers and other lawless individuals. On December 1, 1873, Gylam and Ben Horrell caused trouble in Lincoln, leading to a confrontation with Constable Juan Martinez. After Martinez was killed by one of Horrell’s friends, Gylam and Horrell fled, only to be shot and killed by pursuing officers. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the consequences of aligning oneself with outlaws.

These brief accounts offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the "G" lawmen who shaped the American West. Their stories, filled with courage, sacrifice, and sometimes, moral ambiguity, continue to fascinate and inform our understanding of this pivotal era in American history.