Thomas “Bear River” Smith – Marshalling Abilene

The American West, a land of vast horizons and burgeoning settlements, often found itself grappling with the challenges of law and order. Amidst the cattle drives, saloons, and dusty streets, figures emerged who sought to tame the chaos and establish a semblance of justice. One such individual was Thomas "Bear River" Smith, a man whose journey took him from the bustling streets of New York City to the wild cowtown of Abilene, Kansas, where he would leave an indelible mark on the town’s history.

Smith’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of diverse experiences. Before stepping into the role of a lawman, he was a professional boxer, a testament to his physical prowess and discipline. This background would later prove invaluable in his efforts to maintain order in the unruly towns he served. His career began on the New York City Police Force, but his path took a turn when he was involved in the accidental death of a young boy. This tragic event led him to seek a fresh start in the burgeoning West, where opportunities for reinvention were as boundless as the open plains.

He found employment with the Union Pacific Railroad, a vital artery connecting the East and West. This position led him to Bear River City, Wyoming, a town teeming with railroad workers and the associated vices. Smith’s reputation as a tough and capable individual quickly spread, leading to his appointment as the city marshal.

Bear River City, however, was a powder keg waiting to explode. Tensions between railroad workers and vigilantes were simmering, and the hanging of a railroad worker by vigilantes ignited a full-blown revolt. A vengeful mob, fueled by alcohol and a thirst for retribution, descended upon the town, torching buildings and engaging in a deadly shootout with citizens who sought refuge in a storeroom. The chaos overwhelmed the local authorities, and the U.S. troops from Fort Bridger were called in to impose martial law. In the wake of the destruction, Bear River City faded into obscurity, becoming another ghost town along the railroad’s path.

From the ashes of Bear River City, Smith moved on to Kit Carson, Colorado, where he once again served as a lawman. But it was in Abilene, Kansas, that he would face his greatest challenge and ultimately meet his demise.

In June 1870, Thomas “Bear River” Smith arrived in Abilene, a town desperately in need of a strong hand. Abilene was a booming cowtown, a magnet for cattle drivers, gamblers, and outlaws. The streets were often filled with drunken brawls, gunfights, and general lawlessness. The town leaders recognized the urgent need for a marshal who could bring order to the chaos, and they appointed Thomas “Bear River” Smith as Abilene’s first marshal.

The position came with a monthly salary of $150, supplemented by a $2 bonus for each conviction. Thomas “Bear River” Smith wasted no time in establishing his authority. One of his first acts was to ban all weapons within the town limits without a permit. This was a bold move, as it directly challenged the prevailing culture of the Wild West, where firearms were often seen as essential for self-defense.

Within 48 hours, most residents had complied with the new ordinance, surrendering their weapons to the marshal. However, not everyone was willing to relinquish their guns so easily. Smith had to resort to his boxing skills to subdue two particularly stubborn thugs before they would comply.

Thomas “Bear River” Smith quickly earned the nickname "No Gun Marshal" due to his preference for using his fists rather than a firearm to subdue offenders. In a town where violence was commonplace, this approach was both surprising and effective. Smith’s reputation as a formidable fighter spread rapidly, and many potential troublemakers thought twice before crossing him.

However, Smith’s decision to ban guns was not universally popular. Some community members resented the restriction, viewing it as an infringement on their rights. Over the next few months, Smith survived two assassination attempts, a testament to the danger he faced in his role as marshal.

Despite the risks, Smith remained committed to his duty. He believed in upholding the law and protecting the citizens of Abilene. He worked tirelessly to maintain order, earning the respect of many, even those who initially opposed his methods.

On November 2, 1870, Thomas “Bear River” Smith‘s life was tragically cut short. He rode out of Abilene to arrest a man named Andrew McConnell, who was accused of murdering a local farmer named John Shea. Upon arriving at McConnell’s home, Smith informed him of the warrant for his arrest. McConnell responded with violence, shooting Smith in the chest.

Smith returned fire, wounding McConnell before collapsing to the ground. At that moment, McConnell’s accomplice, Moses Miles, emerged and struck Smith with his gun. Miles then grabbed an ax and brutally attacked Smith, nearly severing his head.

Thomas “Bear River” Smith died at the scene, a victim of the violence he had dedicated his life to combating. He was buried in the Abilene Cemetery, where his body rests to this day.

The murder of Thomas “Bear River” Smith sent shockwaves through Abilene. The town mourned the loss of their marshal, a man who had brought a sense of order and security to their lives. The community rallied together to bring Smith’s killers to justice.

McConnell and Miles were soon captured, and in March 1871, both men were found guilty of murder. They were sentenced to long terms in prison for their heinous crime.

In the aftermath of Smith’s death, Abilene once again descended into lawlessness. The town struggled to find a replacement who could fill Smith’s shoes. The cycle of violence and disorder continued until the arrival of James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok in April 1871.

While Hickok was a legendary figure in his own right, many believed that he did not achieve the same level of success as Smith in maintaining order in Abilene. Eventually, Abilene’s prominence as a cowtown waned as new railheads were established in Newton, Wichita, and Ellsworth.

Years later, Marshal Smith’s legacy would be remembered by another prominent Abilene resident, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who offered a fitting tribute to the fallen lawman:

"According to the legends of my hometown, he was anything but dull. While he rarely carried a pistol, he subdued the lawlessness by the force of his personality and his tremendous capability as an athlete. One blow of his fist was enough to knock out the ordinary ‘tough’ cowboy. He was murdered by treachery."

Thomas "Bear River" Smith’s story is a testament to the challenges and sacrifices faced by those who sought to bring law and order to the American West. He was a man of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy as a peacekeeper in the turbulent cowtown of Abilene lives on.