Old West Lawmen List – S
The American Old West, a period romanticized in countless stories and films, was a land of opportunity, adventure, and, often, lawlessness. The vast expanse of territories demanded a unique breed of individuals to uphold order, individuals who were often as colorful and complex as the era itself. This "Old West Lawmen List – S" focuses on those figures whose surnames begin with the letter "S," offering glimpses into their lives, their roles, and the impact they had on shaping the West. These were the men who stood between civilization and chaos, their names etched into the history of a transformative period.
The pursuit of justice in the Old West was a perilous endeavor, demanding courage, resilience, and a willingness to confront danger head-on. From sheriffs and marshals to Texas Rangers and Indian Police, the lawmen of the era came from diverse backgrounds, each with their own motivations and methods. The "Old West Lawmen List – S" offers a snapshot of these individuals, acknowledging their contributions to the often-turbulent tapestry of the American frontier.
George W. Scarborough (1859-1903)
George W. Scarborough was a Texan through and through, born into a land still grappling with the echoes of the Civil War. He rose through the ranks in Jones County, Texas, eventually being elected sheriff in 1885. He served multiple terms, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the law within his community. His reputation for integrity and unwavering resolve caught the attention of federal authorities, leading to his appointment as a U.S. Deputy Marshal.
As a Deputy Marshal, Scarborough’s jurisdiction expanded, and his responsibilities became even more challenging. He was tasked with apprehending criminals, maintaining order, and enforcing federal laws across a vast and often unforgiving territory. One notable incident in his career was his involvement in the death of John Selman in El Paso, Texas, in 1895, a confrontation that underscored the dangers faced by lawmen in the West. Scarborough’s life was tragically cut short on April 5, 1900, when he was killed by Will Carver, marking a violent end to a life dedicated to law enforcement.
John Henry Selman (1839-1896)
John Henry Selman presents a more ambiguous figure, a man who straddled the line between lawman and outlaw. His early years were marked by cattle rustling near Fort Griffin, Texas, associating with figures like John Larn. This early foray into illegal activities paints a picture of a man willing to operate outside the boundaries of the law. During the tumultuous Lincoln County War in New Mexico, Selman befriended Billy the Kid, further blurring the lines of his allegiances.
Selman’s most infamous act came in August 1895 when he killed the notorious John Wesley Hardin in El Paso, Texas. This act propelled him into the spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable figure. However, his past caught up with him, and he was killed on April 6, 1896, by George Scarborough, a man whose path he had crossed earlier in his career. Selman’s story serves as a reminder that the lines between law and lawlessness were often blurred in the Old West, and individuals could easily transition between the two.
Lafayette "Lafe" Augustus Shadley (1844-1893)
Lafayette "Lafe" Augustus Shadley distinguished himself as a dedicated lawman, serving as the Sheriff of Montgomery County, Kansas. His commitment to upholding the law led to his appointment as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Oklahoma Territory, a region known for its outlaws and violent conflicts. Shadley’s career culminated in a bloody gunfight at Ingalls, Oklahoma, where he faced off against the notorious Doolin-Dalton Gang.
The gunfight at Ingalls was a brutal encounter, showcasing the dangers faced by lawmen in their pursuit of justice. Shadley, along with other law enforcement officers, engaged in a fierce battle with the gang, resulting in casualties on both sides. Shadley himself was killed in the shootout, sacrificing his life in the line of duty. His bravery and dedication to upholding the law cemented his place as a respected figure in the history of the Old West.
Charles A. Shibell (1841-1908)
Charles A. Shibell’s life was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, ranging from teamster and miner to businessman and, most notably, Arizona lawman. He was a contemporary of the famous Earp brothers, sharing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining order in the volatile Arizona Territory. Shibell’s multifaceted background provided him with a unique perspective on the complexities of the West, allowing him to navigate the treacherous landscape of law enforcement.
His connection to the Earps places him within the orbit of one of the most iconic families in Old West history. While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as Wyatt Earp, Shibell’s contributions to law enforcement in Arizona were significant. He was a man of his time, adapting to the ever-changing circumstances of the frontier and playing a vital role in shaping the region’s future.
Ed Short (Died 1891)
Ed Short’s career as a lawman was marked by both dedication and tragedy. He served in Stevens County, Kansas, during a period of intense conflict known as the county seat war, demonstrating his willingness to confront violence and maintain order in a chaotic environment. Later, he became a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Oklahoma, further expanding his reach and responsibilities.
Short’s life ended violently in August 1891 while transporting Charles Bryant, a member of the Dalton Gang, to Wichita, Kansas. A gunfight erupted between the two men, resulting in both of their deaths. Short’s death serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger faced by lawmen in the Old West, where even routine tasks could quickly turn deadly.
Albert Sieber (Died 1907)
Albert Sieber distinguished himself as a U.S. Deputy Marshal and an experienced Indian scout. His expertise in tracking and understanding Native American cultures made him a valuable asset to law enforcement efforts in the West. Sieber employed several notable figures, including the Apache Kid, Frank Leslie, and Tom Horn, at various times throughout his career, showcasing his ability to identify and utilize individuals with specialized skills.
The Sieker Family: Edward A., Frank, Lamartine "Lamb" P., and Tom Sieker
The Sieker family made significant contributions to law enforcement in Texas, with multiple members serving as Texas Rangers. Edward A. Sieker served in Company D under Dan Roberts, leading an attack against the Jesse Evans Gang in 1880. Frank Sieker served in Company B but was tragically killed in a battle with Mexican horse thieves in May 1885. Lamartine "Lamb" P. Sieker also served in Company B and later became quartermaster general, dedicating nineteen years of his life to the Texas Rangers. Tom Sieker also served as a Texas Ranger, further solidifying the family’s legacy of service.
Pink Simms
Pink Simms, a cowboy and lawman, joined forces with Charles Siringo in the pursuit of the notorious Wild Bunch gang. His experience as a cowboy provided him with valuable skills in tracking and horsemanship, making him a valuable asset in the effort to bring the outlaws to justice.
Benjamin Sippy
Benjamin Sippy served as the city marshal of Tombstone, Arizona, until he was replaced by Virgil Earp in January 1881. However, Sippy’s commitment to the community was evident when he defeated Earp in the subsequent election, reclaiming his position as marshal. This highlights the dynamic and often contentious nature of law enforcement in Tombstone during this period.
Charles Angelo Siringo (1855-1928)
Charles Angelo Siringo, a gunman and renowned detective for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, also dedicated many years to serving as a lawman. His career spanned multiple roles, and he even became an author, sharing his experiences and insights into the world of law enforcement. Siringo’s multifaceted career exemplifies the diverse paths individuals took in the Old West, blending law enforcement with other pursuits.
Sam Sixkiller (1842-1886)
Sam Sixkiller, a Captain of the U.S. Indian Police and a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory, played a vital role in maintaining order within Native American communities. His position bridged the gap between federal law enforcement and tribal governance, requiring him to navigate complex cultural and political landscapes.
"Texas" John Horton Slaughter (1841-1922)
"Texas" John Horton Slaughter, a former Texas Ranger, rose to prominence as the Cochise County, Arizona Sheriff. He was known for his no-nonsense approach to law enforcement, utilizing his six-shooter and sawed-off shotgun to clean up Arizona Territory. Slaughter’s dedication and effectiveness earned him a reputation as one of the most impactful lawmen in the region.
James L. "Whispering" Smith (Died 1914)
James L. "Whispering" Smith had a diverse career, serving as a New Orleans Police Detective, a Railroad Detective for multiple companies, a stock detective, and Chief of Indian Police. His experiences in various law enforcement roles provided him with a broad understanding of criminal activity and the challenges of maintaining order in different environments.
J.D. Smith
J.D. Smith, a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the New Mexico Territory, tragically lost his life while pursuing the outlaw Samuel Ketchum. His death underscores the dangers faced by lawmen in their relentless pursuit of justice.
Thomas J. Smith, aka Bear River (1830-1870)
Thomas J. Smith, also known as Bear River, served as the marshal of Kit Carson, Colorado, and as a police officer in Bear River, Wyoming, during the "Bear River troubles." He gained further recognition as the first marshal of Abilene, Kansas, in 1870, where he was known as the "No gun marshal." His efforts to maintain order in the often-turbulent town were cut short when he was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a murderer.
A.J. Sowell (Died 1922)
A.J. Sowell served as a Texas Ranger in 1870-71 and later became an author, publishing several Texas history books. His transition from lawman to historian demonstrates the desire to document and preserve the stories of the Old West.
Wells Spicer (1831-1887)
Wells Spicer, related to the Earp family, served as Tombstone’s Justice of the Peace during the aftermath of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He presided over the pre-trial hearing for the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday, ultimately ruling that their actions had been justified, a decision that had a significant impact on the events that followed.
Con Stapleton (1848-1879)
Con Stapleton was appointed Deadwood, South Dakota Marshal shortly after the infamous shooting of Bill Hickok by Jack McCall. He later moved to Leadville, Colorado, but his life was cut short when he was found dead in Denver in 1879.
Frank C. Stillwell (1857-1882)
Frank C. Stillwell’s life was a complex mix of law enforcement and outlaw activity. He associated with the Clanton Gang, engaging in cattle rustling, yet he was also appointed as a Cochise County Deputy Sheriff by Johnny Behan. Following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the Earps suspected Stillwell of involvement in the killing of Morgan Earp. Wyatt and Warren Earp, along with Doc Holliday, ambushed and killed Stillwell at the Tucson Train Station.
Simpson "John" Stilwell, aka Commanche Jack
Simpson "John" Stilwell, also known as Commanche Jack, was a gunman and lawman who scouted for the Army in Texas before serving as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory. His experience as a scout provided him with valuable skills in tracking and navigating the challenging terrain of the West.
Port Stockton (William Porter, aka Porter Stogden)
Port Stockton, also known as William Porter or Porter Stogden, was an outlaw and lawman whose life was marked by violence. He killed Juan Gonzales in Cimarron, New Mexico, in October 1876 and was ultimately killed by Alfred Graves in January 1881.
Dallas Stoudenmire (1845-1882)
Dallas Stoudenmire, a lawman and gunfighter, joined the Texas Rangers in 1874 and later became the city marshal of El Paso, Texas, in 1881. He gained a reputation for his quick draw and willingness to use deadly force, killing several men in the line of duty. After resigning as marshal, he became a U.S. Deputy Marshal but was killed by James and Doc Manning in El Paso in 1882.
The Sughrue Brothers: Michael and Patrick F. Sughrue (1844-1901/1906)
Michael and Patrick F. Sughrue, twin brothers, were both highly regarded lawmen in Dodge City, Kansas, during the final years of the cattle era. Michael served as a deputy under his brother Patrick, who was the sheriff of Dodge City. Both men were recognized for their courage and dedication to upholding the law.
William E. "Billy" Sutton (1846-1874)
William E. "Billy" Sutton, a gunfighter and lawman, led a group of "Regulators" in DeWitt County, Texas, during the Sutton-Taylor feud. His involvement in this violent conflict highlights the complex and often brutal nature of law enforcement in the Old West.
The stories of these individuals paint a vivid picture of the challenges and complexities of law enforcement in the American Old West. Their courage, dedication, and willingness to confront danger head-on shaped the landscape of the frontier and helped to establish order in a land often characterized by lawlessness. This "Old West Lawmen List – S" serves as a tribute to their contributions and a reminder of the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of justice. This "Old West Lawmen List – S" is just a small segment of the many stories of the Old West.