Old West Lawmen List – R
The American West, a vast and often unforgiving landscape, was a place where law and order were frequently tested. In the absence of established legal systems, individuals often stepped up to maintain peace and enforce justice. These figures, the Old West Lawmen List – R, ranged from courageous U.S. Marshals to dedicated Texas Rangers, and even those whose roles blurred the lines between lawman and outlaw. This article explores the lives and careers of several such individuals whose names begin with the letter "R," offering a glimpse into their contributions to the tumultuous era of the Old West.
The individuals profiled here represent a diverse group of men who navigated the complexities of frontier justice. Some were known for their unwavering dedication to upholding the law, while others were figures whose pasts were checkered with shades of grey. The Old West Lawmen List – R is not just a compilation of names, but rather a window into the challenges and moral ambiguities that defined law enforcement in the Wild West.
The Old West Lawmen List – R features figures who faced down notorious outlaws, quelled feuds, and sometimes found themselves caught in the crossfire of political and personal disputes. Their stories, often filled with bravery, violence, and moral compromise, offer a complex and fascinating portrait of a bygone era.
John Rankin: John Rankin stands as a figure emblematic of the dangers faced by lawmen in the Old West. Serving as a U.S. Marshal in Texas, Rankin played a crucial role in the pursuit and eventual killing of the outlaw William Whitley. From 1886 to 1889, Rankin served as Marshal of the Western District of Texas, a position that undoubtedly placed him in harm’s way on numerous occasions. His life tragically ended on November 27, 1897, in Austin, Texas, when he was shot and killed by city policeman Jim Grizzard. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were reportedly linked to an election dispute, a reminder of the often-contentious political climate of the time. Grizzard was later acquitted, leaving the full truth of the incident shrouded in uncertainty. Rankin’s death underscores the risks inherent in law enforcement during this period, where personal disputes could quickly escalate into deadly confrontations.
Bass Reeves (1839-1910): Bass Reeves, without a doubt, is one of the most legendary and celebrated U.S. Deputy Marshals to ever patrol the harsh lands of the Indian Territory. His reputation as an effective and fearless lawman is well-deserved. Reeves was a towering figure, both physically and in terms of his impact on law enforcement. As a Black man operating in a predominantly white society, he faced significant challenges and prejudices, yet he consistently demonstrated exceptional courage and integrity. His knowledge of the Indian Territory, his ability to speak several Native American languages, and his unwavering commitment to justice made him an invaluable asset to the U.S. Marshals Service. Reeves’s career spanned decades, during which he apprehended countless outlaws and earned the respect of both white and Native American communities. He is a true icon of the Old West, a symbol of justice and perseverance in the face of adversity.
N.O. "Nage" Reynolds: N.O. "Nage" Reynolds played a significant role in maintaining order in Texas as a commander of Company E of the Texas Rangers in 1878. His contributions extended beyond simply enforcing the law; he actively worked to de-escalate conflicts and prevent further bloodshed. One of his most notable achievements was helping to break up the Horrell-Higgins feud, a violent and protracted dispute that had plagued the region for years. Reynolds’s leadership and diplomacy were instrumental in bringing an end to the feud and restoring peace to the affected communities. Additionally, he demonstrated his vigilance and strategic thinking by warning Rangers of an impending attack at Round Rock by the notorious outlaw Sam Bass and his gang, allowing them to prepare and ultimately thwart the bandits’ plans. Reynolds’s service highlights the crucial role played by the Texas Rangers in maintaining law and order in the often-lawless frontier.
Andrew L. Roberts, aka Buckshot Roberts, Bill Williams (18??-1878): Andrew L. Roberts, better known as Buckshot Roberts, was a complex figure whose life encompassed roles on both sides of the law. He served as a Texas Ranger, but also spent time as an outlaw and a member of King Fisher’s Gang in New Mexico. However, Roberts is best remembered for his heroic, though ultimately fatal, stand against Billy the Kid and the Regulators in 1878. This event, known as Buckshot Roberts’ Last Stand, cemented his place in Old West lore. Outnumbered and outgunned, Roberts fought with incredible tenacity, inflicting casualties on the Regulators before succumbing to his wounds. His courage in the face of overwhelming odds has made him a legendary figure, although his earlier involvement with outlaw gangs complicates his image.
Daniel Webster Roberts: Daniel Webster Roberts was a dedicated Texas Ranger who rose through the ranks to become a captain. He joined the Rangers in 1874 under Rufe Perry and quickly distinguished himself as a capable and effective lawman. In 1878, he was promoted to captain and tasked with suppressing outlaw activity in Texas. Roberts proved to be a formidable leader, successfully breaking up several notorious outlaw gangs, including the Mason County Mob, the Potter boys, and the Jesse Evans Gang. His relentless pursuit of criminals and his commitment to upholding the law earned him the respect of his fellow Rangers and the communities he served. Roberts resigned from the Texas Rangers in 1882, leaving behind a legacy of effective law enforcement and dedication to justice.
Ben A. Robertson, aka: Ben Burton, Ben Wheeler (1854?-1884): Ben A. Robertson’s story is a cautionary tale of how easily a lawman can stray from the path of righteousness. Robertson, originally from Texas, traveled throughout the West before settling in Kansas, where he became a deputy under Marshal Henry Brown in Caldwell. Both Robertson and Brown were considered excellent lawmen, earning the trust and respect of the community. However, in a shocking turn of events, they turned to a life of crime, robbing a bank in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Their betrayal of public trust was met with swift and brutal justice. On April 30, 1884, Robertson and Brown were lynched by an angry mob, their careers and lives ending in disgrace. Robertson’s story serves as a reminder that even those sworn to uphold the law are susceptible to temptation and corruption.
Porter Rockwell – Destroying Angel of Mormondom: Porter Rockwell was a controversial figure in the history of the Old West, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Mormon Church and his reputation as a ruthless lawman. He served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Utah Territory, but his actions were often perceived as being motivated more by religious zeal than by a commitment to impartial justice. Rockwell was known for his willingness to use violence to protect the interests of the Mormon community, earning him the nickname "Destroying Angel of Mormondom." While some viewed him as a defender of the faith, others considered him a dangerous vigilante who operated outside the bounds of the law. Rockwell’s legacy remains a subject of debate, with some praising his loyalty and courage, while others condemn his violent methods and disregard for due process.
Isaac "Ike" Rogers (18??-1897): Isaac "Ike" Rogers was a Black Cherokee who made a name for himself as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Indian Territory. He was related to Clement Vann Rogers, the father of Will Rogers, and often worked alongside the legendary Bass Reeves. Rogers frequently served under the direction of U.S. Deputy Marshal George Crump, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability as a lawman. His most famous achievement was the capture of the notorious African Cherokee outlaw Crawford Goldsby, better known as Cherokee Bill, on January 29, 1895. Rogers was also involved in a gunfight with the Cherokee outlaw Henry Starr and his gang near Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on January 21, 1893. Tragically, Ike was killed by Clarence Goldsby, Cherokee Bill’s brother, in Fort Gibson in 1897, highlighting the dangers faced by lawmen in the pursuit of justice.
John H. Rogers (1863-1930): John H. Rogers dedicated his life to law enforcement, serving for an impressive 50 years. He began his career with the Texas Rangers in 1882 before being appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. Rogers later returned to the Rangers, where he served as a captain until his death on November 11, 1930. His long and distinguished career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his dedication to upholding the law. Rogers’s experience in both the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Marshals Service gave him a unique perspective on law enforcement in the Old West, and he was widely respected for his knowledge, skills, and leadership.
Andrew Jackson Royal (1855-1894): Andrew Jackson Royal, known as A.J. Royal, served a single term as Sheriff of Pecos County, Texas, but his tenure had a lasting and unfortunate impact on Fort Stockton, Texas. His time in office was marked by controversy and violence, contributing to the turbulent atmosphere of the region. Details surrounding his specific actions are needed to fully assess his impact.
E.C. Rucker: E.C. Rucker served as a deputy sheriff of Tularosa, New Mexico, a town known for its feuds and conflicts. Rucker sided with John Good in the Tularosa feud, a violent dispute that divided the community. His involvement in the feud highlights the complexities of law enforcement in the Old West, where personal loyalties and political alliances often influenced the actions of lawmen.
W.L. Rudd, aka Colorado Chico, Little Red (1844-1938): W.L. Rudd, also known as Colorado Chico and Little Red, had a long and varied career in law enforcement. He served under Lee Hall in McNelly’s Rangers in the 1870s, participating in numerous patrols and skirmishes along the Texas-Mexico border. In the 1880s, he was elected sheriff of Karnes County, Texas, demonstrating his popularity and the trust placed in him by the community. Rudd lived to be 94 years old, witnessing firsthand the transformation of the Old West into a more settled and civilized society.
Thomas H. Rynning (1866-19??): Thomas H. Rynning’s life was filled with adventure and service. Born in Norway in 1866, he arrived in the United States at a young age and embarked on a distinguished military career. Rynning served under General Philip Sheridan during the campaigns against the Southern Cheyenne and the Chiricahua Apaches in 1885 and 1886. He witnessed the capture of Geronimo and participated in the pursuit of Sitting Bull and his band after the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In 1898, he served as a second Lieutenant with the Rough Riders under Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. After his military service, Rynning worked for the railroad before being recruited to the Arizona Rangers. He was appointed captain the following year when Burton Mossman resigned in 1902. Rynning expanded the Arizona Rangers and implemented a rigorous training program before resigning on March 20, 1907. His leadership and dedication helped to transform the Arizona Rangers into a highly effective law enforcement agency.
The stories of these lawmen, all listed under the Old West Lawmen List – R, illustrate the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and experiences of those who sought to bring order to the chaotic frontier. Their contributions, both positive and negative, helped shape the history of the American West and continue to fascinate and inspire us today.