Old West Lawmen List – P
The era of the Old West, a period romanticized in countless tales of cowboys, gunfights, and untamed landscapes, also saw the rise of figures who sought to bring order to the chaos. These Old West Lawmen List – P, individuals, often working under challenging circumstances and facing immense dangers, played a crucial role in shaping the communities they served. This article delves into the lives and careers of several notable lawmen whose surnames begin with the letter "P," exploring their contributions, challenges, and the legacies they left behind.
Nabor Pacheco (1863-1920)
Nabor Pacheco holds the distinction of being the first Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, of Mexican descent. He served in this prominent role from 1904 to 1908, a period marked by the ongoing struggle to establish law and order in the burgeoning territory. His tenure included a somber event: overseeing the last public hanging in Tucson and Pima County in 1908. This experience deeply affected Pacheco, who publicly criticized the spectacle, lamenting how it transformed a serious act of justice into a "morbid holiday." Driven by his conviction, Pacheco successfully advocated for transferring the responsibility of executions from the county to the territorial prison, effectively ending the era of public hangings in the region. His progressive stance on this matter reflects a nuanced approach to law enforcement, one that considered the ethical implications of public punishment.
F.D. Parker
The historical record of F.D. Parker is brief but illustrative of the vigilance required of lawmen in the Old West. In 1876, while serving as a deputy marshal in Prescott, Arizona, Parker apprehended an Army clerk attempting to steal a payroll. This seemingly simple act highlights the prevalence of theft and corruption that plagued the era, and the crucial role that law enforcement officials played in maintaining financial integrity and protecting public assets. Parker’s quick thinking and decisive action prevented a significant crime and underscored the importance of dedicated individuals in upholding the law.
Judge Isaac C. Parker (1838-1896)
No discussion of Old West Lawmen List – P is complete without mentioning Judge Isaac C. Parker. Known as the "Hanging Judge," Isaac Parker presided over the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, based in Fort Smith. His jurisdiction encompassed the vast and lawless Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). For over two decades, Judge Parker dispensed justice in a region rife with outlaws, murderers, and thieves. His court handed down numerous death sentences, earning him his grim moniker. While controversial, his supporters argued that his strict approach was necessary to bring order to a chaotic land. His court saw thousands of cases, and his name became synonymous with law and order in the Wild West.
John V. Paul
John V. Paul’s tenure as an Arizona marshal was marred by controversy. In 1890, he was accused of deporting Chinese laborers. This incident reflects the complex and often discriminatory social and political climate of the Old West. Anti-Chinese sentiment was rampant, fueled by economic anxieties and racial prejudice. While the details surrounding the accusations against Paul remain somewhat obscure, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by lawmen navigating a society grappling with issues of immigration, race, and economic inequality.
Robert "Bob" Havlin Paul (1830-1901)
Robert "Bob" Havlin Paul’s life reads like an adventure novel. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he began his working life as a cabin boy on a whaling ship at the tender age of 12. Three years later, he found himself in San Francisco, California, drawn to the promise of opportunity during the Gold Rush era. Standing at an imposing six-foot-six, Paul embraced a career in law enforcement, serving as a constable, deputy sheriff, sheriff, and Wells Fargo agent. In 1878, Wells Fargo dispatched him to Tombstone, Arizona, where he frequently rode shotgun on stagecoaches traversing the dangerous routes. His bravery was tested in March 1881 when a stagecoach was ambushed near Drew’s Station. During the robbery, the driver was killed. Paul, with remarkable composure, brought the horses under control and safely guided the stage and its passengers to Benson, Arizona. Later that year, he was elected sheriff of Pima County. In 1883, he was tasked with bringing the Earp brothers back to Arizona to face murder charges. Though ultimately unsuccessful in that endeavor, his pursuit demonstrated his dedication to the law. In his later years, Paul worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. This dedicated and fearless Old West Lawmen List – P died in Tucson, Arizona, in 1901, leaving behind a legacy of courage and unwavering commitment to justice.
Ransom Payne
Ransom Payne’s name is associated with one of the most notorious outlaw gangs of the Old West: the Dalton Gang. As a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory during the 1890s, Payne actively pursued the Dalton Gang. This pursuit placed him in direct conflict with some of the most dangerous criminals of the era, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by lawmen attempting to maintain order in a lawless territory. While the details of his specific encounters with the Dalton Gang may be scarce, his dedication to bringing them to justice underscores his commitment to upholding the law.
Junius "June" Peak (1845-1934)
Junius "June" Peak’s life was marked by service and dedication. A Confederate veteran of the Civil War, he later served as the Dallas, Texas City Marshal and as a Texas Ranger. His involvement in the pursuit of the infamous outlaw Sam Bass cemented his place in Western lore. Peak’s career reflects the transition from the turmoil of the Civil War to the challenges of establishing law and order in the burgeoning West. His experience as a Confederate soldier likely shaped his approach to law enforcement, imbuing him with a sense of discipline and determination.
George Peppin (1841-1904)
George Peppin’s tenure as Lincoln County Sheriff in New Mexico was shrouded in controversy. He assumed the role following the death of William Brady, a key figure in the Lincoln County War. Peppin aligned himself with the Dolan-Murphy faction, a powerful and ruthless group embroiled in a bitter feud with their rivals. Peppin led the raid on the McSween house on July 19, 1878, an event that resulted in the deaths of several men and further fueled the violence of the Lincoln County War. Although he was later indicted, the charges were eventually dropped. His story highlights the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of law enforcement in the Old West, where personal loyalties and political agendas often overshadowed the pursuit of justice.
Cicero R. "Rufe" Perry (18??-1898)
Cicero R. "Rufe" Perry embodied the spirit of the Texas frontier. He joined the Texas Rangers under the legendary Jack Hays in 1844, participating in numerous campaigns against Native American tribes and Mexican bandits. In 1874, he became commander of Company D, leading his men in the ongoing effort to protect settlers and maintain order in the vast and often dangerous Texas landscape. His career as a lawman and Indian fighter reflects the harsh realities of life on the frontier, where survival often depended on courage, skill, and unwavering determination.
Ollie Perry
Ollie Perry continued the tradition of law enforcement in the Perry family. Serving as a Texas Ranger in the 1890s, he demonstrated his commitment to justice by helping to break up a gang that was terrorizing San Saba, Texas, in 1897. His actions contributed to restoring peace and security to a community plagued by violence and lawlessness. Perry’s service highlights the ongoing need for dedicated lawmen to combat crime and protect the innocent.
Lyon Phillipowski
Lyon Phillipowski’s involvement in a shootout with a store clerk in Lincoln County, New Mexico, in 1874, places him among the Old West Lawmen List – P. The incident suggests the volatile atmosphere and the ever-present potential for violence that characterized the region. While the details of the shootout remain somewhat obscure, it underscores the dangers faced by lawmen and the challenges of maintaining order in a community rife with tension and conflict.
Tom Pickett (1858-1934)
Tom Pickett’s story is a complex one, blurring the lines between outlaw and lawman. He was known to steal cattle and was captured alongside Billy the Kid in New Mexico in December 1880. The fact that Pickett was associated with both outlaw activities and law enforcement suggests the fluid nature of identity and allegiance in the Old West. Some individuals may have drifted between the two sides of the law, depending on circumstances and personal motivations.
The Pinkerton Detective Agency (1850-present)
The Pinkerton Detective Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton in 1850, emerged as a powerful force in law enforcement during the Old West era. The agency provided a range of services, from private military contractors to security guards, but it specialized in apprehending counterfeiters and train robbers. The Pinkertons played a crucial role in combating organized crime and protecting businesses, often operating beyond the reach of local law enforcement agencies. Their methods were sometimes controversial, but their impact on the fight against crime in the Old West was undeniable.
Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884)
Allan Pinkerton, the Scottish immigrant who founded the Pinkerton Detective Agency, revolutionized law enforcement in the United States. His agency provided a variety of detective services, from private military contractors to security guards, but specialized in the capture of counterfeiters and train robbers. Pinkerton’s innovative approach to crime detection and his willingness to take on powerful criminal organizations made him a legendary figure in the history of American law enforcement.
William A. Pinkerton (1846-1923) & Robert Pinkerton (1848-1907)
Following in their father’s footsteps, William A. Pinkerton and Robert Pinkerton both served as Pinkerton Detectives, contributing to the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain order. Their dedication to the family business ensured the Pinkerton Agency’s continued success and influence in the field of law enforcement.
Sumner Pinkham (1820-1865)
Sumner Pinkham holds the distinction of being the first sheriff of Boise County, Idaho. His tenure was tragically cut short when he was killed by gunfighter Ferd Patterson in 1865. Pinkham’s death underscores the dangers faced by lawmen in the volatile and often lawless territories of the Old West.
Henry Plummer (1837-1864)
Henry Plummer’s story is one of the most controversial in the history of Western law enforcement. He served as a marshal in Nevada City, California, and later as sheriff of Bannack, Montana. However, he was also accused of leading a ruthless gang called the "Innocents," who were responsible for numerous robberies and murders. Before he could take office as U.S. Deputy Marshal of the Territory, Plummer was hanged by vigilantes. This complex and contested legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges of interpreting historical events and the difficulty of separating fact from fiction in the legends of the Old West.
John William Poe (1851-1923)
John William Poe’s name is forever linked to one of the most iconic events in Western history: the shooting of Billy the Kid. Poe served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Texas and worked as a lawman in Fort Griffin, Texas, and Lincoln, New Mexico. He was with Pat Garrett when Garrett fatally shot Billy the Kid. Poe’s presence at this pivotal moment cemented his place in Western lore, although his role in the events leading up to the shooting remains a subject of debate.
J.A. Porterie
J.A. Porterie served as a U.S. Marshal in New Mexico Territory. In 1907, he was accused of killing a Hispanic man but was ultimately exonerated. This incident highlights the racial tensions and prejudices that existed in the Old West and the challenges faced by lawmen in maintaining fairness and impartiality in a deeply divided society.
Thomas William "Billy" Preece (1856-1928)
Thomas William "Billy" Preece, a Utah lawman, gained fame for his role in capturing members of the Wild Bunch. As sheriff of Uintah County, Utah, he clashed with the notorious gang, playing a key role in capturing outlaws Harry Tracy, David Lant, and Patrick Johnson. His pursuit of Flat Nose George Curry culminated in a deadly gunfight in April 1900, resulting in Curry’s death. His efforts in battling the Wild Bunch showcased his bravery and determination in the face of danger.
Robert Jack Price (1848-1930)
Robert Jack Price, after moving his family to Oklahoma Territory, became the first constable for County B Township. He was the first to use the county jail. More familiarly called R.J., he also was involved in the Anti Horse Thief Association and was a U.S. Deputy Marshal.
The individuals listed above represent a diverse group of Old West Lawmen List – P, each with their own unique stories, challenges, and contributions to the tumultuous era of the American West. Their actions, whether heroic or controversial, helped shape the communities they served and left an indelible mark on the history of the Old West.