Sam Sixkiller – Captain of the Indian Police
The annals of the American West are replete with figures of grit, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. Among these stands Sam Sixkiller, a name synonymous with law and order in the tumultuous Indian Territory. His story is one of a Cherokee man who traversed the complexities of a changing nation, serving as a bridge between cultures and a formidable force against the lawlessness that plagued the region.
Born in 1842 within the Going Snake District, now part of Adair County, Oklahoma, Sam Sixkiller’s early life was intertwined with the rich heritage of the Cherokee Nation. The district itself was a landscape of rolling hills and fertile valleys, a far cry from the bustling towns that would later define his law enforcement career. His upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding of Cherokee traditions and values, a foundation that would later inform his approach to justice and community.
The eruption of the Civil War irrevocably altered the course of American history, and Sam Sixkiller’s life was no exception. At the young age of 19, he enlisted in a Union Indian artillery company, a unit commanded by his father, 1st Lt. Redbird Sixkiller. This decision reflected not only his loyalty to the Union cause but also the complex political landscape within the Cherokee Nation, which was itself divided over the issue of secession. His military service exposed him to the harsh realities of war and instilled in him a sense of discipline and leadership that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Following the war, Sam Sixkiller returned to the Cherokee Nation, a territory grappling with the challenges of Reconstruction and the increasing influx of settlers. In 1875, he was appointed High Sheriff of the Cherokee Nation and Warden of the National Penitentiary. This marked the beginning of his official career in law enforcement, placing him at the forefront of maintaining order within the Cherokee community. As Sheriff, he was responsible for apprehending criminals, enforcing tribal laws, and overseeing the operations of the penitentiary. His tenure as Sheriff provided him with invaluable experience in dealing with a wide range of offenses, from petty theft to violent crimes.
The year 1880 marked a significant turning point in Sam Sixkiller’s career. In February, he was appointed the first captain of the United States Indian Police headquartered in Muskogee, Indian Territory. This appointment was a testament to his reputation as a capable and trustworthy lawman. The U.S. Indian Police was a federal law enforcement agency created to police the Indian Territory, which was plagued by lawlessness and outside the jurisdiction of state and territorial governments.
His authority extended beyond the borders of the Indian Territory, thanks to a U.S. Deputy Marshal’s commission. This commission allowed him to pursue outlaws into neighboring states, including Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. The vastness of his jurisdiction underscored the scale of the challenge he faced in maintaining law and order. Further bolstering his authority, he also served as a special agent for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad. This position granted him access to railroad property, enabling him to pursue bandits who preyed on trains and passengers.
Muskogee, the headquarters of the U.S. Indian Police, was a notorious frontier town, known for its saloons, gambling halls, and general atmosphere of lawlessness. Tasked with policing this volatile environment, Sam Sixkiller commanded a force of 40 men. Together, they confronted a diverse array of criminals, including bootleggers who illegally sold alcohol, cattle rustlers who stole livestock, murderers who roamed with impunity, and train robbers who terrorized the railways. The challenges were immense, but Sixkiller and his men were determined to bring order to the chaos.
Among the many incidents that marked Sam Sixkiller’s career, one stands out as particularly memorable: his pursuit of Dick Glass. Glass was a notorious outlaw who led a gang of horse rustlers and bootleggers, operating with impunity in the Chickasaw Nation. In June 1885, Sixkiller and his posse set up an ambush for Glass and his gang near Colbert. The ensuing confrontation was a fierce and chaotic shootout. In the melee, Sixkiller managed to shoot Glass, bringing an end to his reign of terror. The remaining members of the gang were either killed or arrested shortly after, effectively dismantling the criminal enterprise.
Tragically, Sam Sixkiller’s life was cut short on December 24, 1886. While in Muskogee, he was murdered by two men named Dick Vann and Alf Cunningham. The motive for the murder was believed to be a grudge stemming from a prior run-in with the lawman. Vann and Cunningham ambushed Sixkiller, firing on him without warning before fleeing the scene. The death of Sam Sixkiller sent shockwaves through the Indian Territory, marking the loss of a dedicated lawman who had worked tirelessly to bring justice to the region.
Sam Sixkiller’s legacy extends far beyond his untimely death. He is remembered as a symbol of law and order in a lawless era, a man who stood tall against the forces of chaos and corruption. His dedication to justice, his courage in the face of danger, and his commitment to serving his community have cemented his place in the history of the American West. He was a Cherokee man who navigated the complexities of a changing world, bridging cultures and upholding the law with unwavering resolve. He remains a compelling figure in the history of the American West, a testament to the courage and dedication of those who sought to bring order to a lawless land.