Owens-Blevins Shootout
The Owens-Blevins Shootout, a fleeting but ferocious encounter, remains etched in the annals of the American West as a stark illustration of the violence that plagued the Arizona Territory in the late 19th century. This deadly confrontation, occurring in 1887, was a direct consequence of the tumultuous Pleasant Valley War and the simmering tensions between cattlemen and sheep herders, further inflamed by accusations of cattle rustling and murder. The event solidified the reputation of Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens as a fearless and formidable lawman, while simultaneously adding another tragic chapter to the already blood-soaked history of the Arizona frontier. This article delves into the circumstances leading up to the Owens-Blevins Shootout, the events that unfolded on that fateful day, and the aftermath that reverberated through the community.
The backdrop to the Owens-Blevins Shootout was the Pleasant Valley War, a brutal and protracted range war that ravaged Navajo County, Arizona, throughout the 1880s. This conflict pitted the Graham family, primarily involved in cattle ranching, against the Tewksbury family, who raised sheep. The roots of the conflict are complex and debated, involving disputes over land and water rights, accusations of cattle rustling, and deep-seated ethnic prejudices. The war quickly escalated into a cycle of retaliatory killings, ambushes, and raids, claiming the lives of numerous individuals on both sides. The rugged terrain and the remoteness of the region made it difficult for law enforcement to maintain order, allowing the violence to fester and spread.
In September 1887, the Pleasant Valley War reached a fever pitch when members of the Graham faction allegedly surrounded the Tewksbury cabin and fatally shot two men. Word of this attack quickly spread, further intensifying the already volatile atmosphere. Amidst this climate of fear and vengeance, a man named Andy Blevins, known to be associated with the Graham faction, reportedly boasted in Holbrook, Arizona, that he was responsible for the deaths of the two Tewksbury men. This boastful confession, whether true or not, would have dire consequences for Blevins and his family.
Commodore Perry Owens, the Sheriff of Holbrook, Arizona, was a figure of considerable renown even before the Owens-Blevins Shootout. He was a man of imposing stature, known for his quiet demeanor, exceptional marksmanship, and unwavering dedication to upholding the law. Owens was part Native American and had a reputation for fairness and courage. He had previously served as a scout and Indian agent, gaining valuable experience in dealing with conflict and navigating the complexities of the Arizona Territory. When news of Andy Blevins’ alleged confession reached Owens, he decided to act decisively.
Owens already possessed a warrant for Andy Blevins’ arrest on charges of cattle rustling. The alleged confession to murder provided further justification for bringing Blevins in. Sheriff Owens, accompanied by a deputy, decided to confront Blevins at his family home on the afternoon of September 4, 1887. The Blevins family resided in a modest dwelling on the outskirts of Holbrook, a testament to their hardscrabble existence in the unforgiving Arizona landscape.
Upon arriving at the Blevins home, Owens found the family gathered for their Sunday dinner. He approached the house and announced his presence, informing the occupants that he had a warrant for Andy Blevins’ arrest and requesting that he surrender peacefully. However, Andy Blevins refused to comply with the Sheriff’s demand and remained inside the house. A tense standoff ensued, the air thick with anticipation and the potential for violence.
The situation quickly deteriorated when John Blevins, Andy’s half-brother, abruptly opened the front door and fired a shot at Sheriff Owens. The bullet narrowly missed its target, but it shattered the already fragile peace and ignited the Owens-Blevins Shootout. Owens, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional gunfighting skills, immediately drew his own six-shooters and returned fire.
In the ensuing chaos, bullets flew in both directions. Owens’ first shot struck John Blevins, seriously wounding him. Simultaneously, Owens fired upon Andy Blevins, who was attempting to escape from the house. Andy was also struck by Owens’ bullets and collapsed near the doorway.
The Owens-Blevins Shootout was a brief but intensely violent affair. The entire gunfight lasted less than a minute, but in that short span of time, the Blevins household transformed into a scene of death and destruction. The air was filled with the acrid smell of gunpowder, the deafening roar of gunfire, and the cries of the wounded and dying.
As Andy Blevins lay dying, his younger brother, Sam Blevins, only 15 years old, emerged from the house, armed with a rifle. He opened fire on Sheriff Owens, attempting to avenge his fallen brother. Owens, displaying remarkable composure under pressure, quickly aimed his weapon and fired at the young Blevins. Sam was struck by Owens’ bullet and fell to the ground, mortally wounded.
Adding to the mayhem, a friend of the Blevins family named Mose Roberts also joined the fray, firing upon Sheriff Owens from inside the house. Owens returned fire, striking Roberts and silencing his weapon. Roberts was later found dead inside the house.
When the smoke cleared, the devastating toll of the Owens-Blevins Shootout became apparent. Andy Blevins and his younger brother, Sam, lay dead outside the house, along with Mose Roberts, who was found inside. John Blevins was severely wounded but survived the encounter. Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens emerged from the gunfight unscathed, a testament to his skill and luck.
The Owens-Blevins Shootout generated considerable controversy and debate in the aftermath. Some hailed Sheriff Owens as a hero who had single-handedly brought justice to a lawless region. Others criticized his actions, arguing that he had been overly aggressive and had used excessive force. The Blevins family and their supporters accused Owens of murder, claiming that he had ambushed the family and acted as judge, jury, and executioner.
Despite the controversy, no formal charges were ever filed against Sheriff Owens in connection with the Owens-Blevins Shootout. An official inquiry was conducted, and while the events were scrutinized, Owens’ actions were deemed to be within the bounds of his duty as a law enforcement officer. He had acted in self-defense and in the pursuit of a known criminal.
The Owens-Blevins Shootout had a lasting impact on the Pleasant Valley War. While it did not immediately bring an end to the conflict, it did serve as a turning point. The deaths of Andy and Sam Blevins, along with the wounding of John, dealt a significant blow to the Graham faction and weakened their ability to continue the fight. The shootout also solidified Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens’ reputation as a force to be reckoned with, deterring other potential lawbreakers.
The Owens-Blevins Shootout remains a subject of fascination and historical study. It is a complex and multi-faceted event that reflects the turbulent times in which it occurred. The shootout serves as a reminder of the violence and lawlessness that characterized the American West, as well as the courage and determination of the individuals who sought to bring order to a chaotic land. The event continues to be recounted in books, articles, and documentaries, ensuring that the story of Commodore Perry Owens and the Blevins family will not be forgotten.