U.S. Marshal Evett Nix – Bringing Down the Doolin-Dalton Gang
The Oklahoma Territory in the late 19th century was a land of promise, opportunity, and, unfortunately, rampant lawlessness. Into this volatile landscape stepped Evett Dumas "E.D." Nix, a man who would etch his name into the annals of Western lore as the U.S. Marshal who relentlessly pursued and ultimately dismantled the notorious Doolin-Dalton Gang. His story is one of courage, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of justice in a time when the line between right and wrong was often blurred. U.S. Marshal Evett Nix’s legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of law enforcement in the American West.
Evett Dumas Nix’s path to becoming a legendary lawman began far from the dusty plains of Oklahoma. Born in Kentucky on September 19, 1861, he wasn’t raised with a gun in his hand, but rather with a strong sense of community and a work ethic instilled by his family. His father served as a deputy sheriff, and his uncle as a county sheriff, offering young Evett a glimpse into the world of law enforcement. Before venturing into law enforcement himself, Nix engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits. He worked in his father’s factory, demonstrating an early aptitude for business and trade. Later, he broadened his experience by managing a grocery, hardware, and furniture business in Coldwater, Kentucky, showing an entrepreneurial spirit. His career took another turn when he became a traveling sales representative, leading him to relocate to Paducah, Kentucky. In 1885, he married Ellen Felts, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life. These formative years, while seemingly unrelated to his later career, provided him with valuable skills in leadership, negotiation, and resource management – qualities that would prove essential in his role as U.S. Marshal.
In October 1889, Nix and his wife made a pivotal move to Guthrie, Oklahoma, a burgeoning town fueled by the Land Rush. Here, he quickly established himself as a prosperous businessman, forging influential friendships and becoming deeply embedded in the local community. This period allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges facing the Oklahoma Territory, including the escalating crime rate and the urgent need for effective law enforcement. This understanding, combined with his reputation for integrity and competence, positioned him as a prime candidate for a role in shaping the future of law and order in the region. His transition from businessman to lawman was a testament to his commitment to serving the community and addressing the pressing issues that plagued the territory. The appointment of U.S. Marshal Evett Nix was a turning point in the fight against lawlessness in Oklahoma.
At the relatively young age of 32, Evett Nix received the prestigious appointment as U.S. Marshal of Oklahoma Territory on July 1, 1893, making him the youngest individual to hold such a significant position. His appointment was met with widespread approval, as evidenced by the Guthrie Daily News‘s glowing endorsement: "He has, right now, all the sturdy characteristics of a veteran. A forceful independence, a clear, cool head, a quiet, unostentatious confidence in himself that is the best equipment it is possible for a man to have who would fill successfully the high office to which his merits, and his merits alone, were the signal cause of his call." This quote encapsulates the qualities that made Nix an exceptional choice for the role. He possessed not only the experience and knowledge necessary to tackle the challenges ahead but also the unwavering determination and self-assurance to effectively lead and inspire his deputies. His appointment marked a new era in law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory, one characterized by a renewed commitment to justice and a relentless pursuit of those who sought to undermine it.
During the final years of Judge Isaac Parker’s legendary tenure, the Oklahoma Territory remained a lawless frontier, rife with desperadoes and outlaws who operated with impunity. Recognizing the immense task before him, U.S. Marshal Evett Nix wasted no time in assembling a formidable force of deputies, carefully selecting men of exceptional skill, experience, and unwavering dedication. Among his appointees were legendary figures such as Henry Andrew "Heck" Thomas, William Matthew "Bill" Tilghman, Chris Madsen, Frank M. Canton, Charles Colcord, and John Hixon, most of whom were already seasoned peace officers with a proven track record of bravery and effectiveness. These men, handpicked by Nix for their unique abilities and shared commitment to justice, formed the backbone of his law enforcement efforts and played a crucial role in bringing order to the chaotic territory. The leadership of U.S. Marshal Evett Nix was instrumental in uniting these disparate talents into a cohesive and effective fighting force.
Upon assuming his position, Nix identified the Doolin-Dalton Gang as a primary threat to the stability and security of the Oklahoma Territory. This ruthless band of outlaws had been terrorizing communities, robbing banks and trains, and leaving a trail of violence and destruction in their wake. Nix recognized that dismantling the gang was essential to restoring law and order and instilling confidence in the justice system. He made it his top priority to bring the Doolin-Dalton Gang to justice, dedicating significant resources and manpower to the task. He understood that the gang’s reign of terror would continue unless decisive action was taken, and he was determined to end their criminal activities once and for all. The pursuit of the Doolin-Dalton Gang became synonymous with the tenure of U.S. Marshal Evett Nix, defining his legacy as a fearless and relentless lawman.
Just a few months after taking office, on September 1, 1893, Nix led a posse of 27 deputy marshals and Indian Police towards Ingalls, Oklahoma, a known haven for the Doolin-Dalton Gang. This decision would lead to the infamous Battle of Ingalls. The ensuing shootout, known as the Battle of Ingalls, resulted in the tragic loss of three deputy marshals – Thomas Hueston, Richard Speed, and Lafeyette Shadley – who bravely laid down their lives in the line of duty. Several members of the Doolin-Dalton Gang, including "Bittercreek" Newcomb, Charley Pierce, and "Dynamite Dan" Clifton, were wounded but managed to escape the confrontation. Only one gang member, "Arkansas Tom" Jones, was captured by the posse. Although the outlaws emerged victorious in the immediate battle, the "war" was far from over. Nix, undeterred by the setback, resolved to intensify his efforts to bring the Doolin-Dalton Gang to justice. He understood that the Battle of Ingalls was just one skirmish in a larger conflict, and he was determined to emerge victorious in the end. The Ingalls Gunfight became a defining moment in the career of U.S. Marshal Evett Nix.
Following the Battle of Ingalls, Nix demonstrated his unwavering commitment to bringing the Doolin-Dalton Gang to justice by organizing an elite group of approximately 100 U.S. Deputy Marshals. This specialized force was tasked with relentlessly pursuing and capturing or eliminating the remaining members of the infamous gang. Under Nix’s leadership, these deputies embarked on a relentless campaign, tracking the outlaws across the vast and unforgiving landscape of the Oklahoma Territory. Their dedication and perseverance ultimately paid off. By 1898, the entire Doolin-Dalton Gang had been either captured or killed, effectively dismantling the organization and bringing an end to their reign of terror. The success of this campaign was a testament to Nix’s leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering determination to uphold the law. The eradication of the Doolin-Dalton Gang stands as a significant achievement in the career of U.S. Marshal Evett Nix.
Despite his success in bringing down the Doolin-Dalton Gang and restoring order to the Oklahoma Territory, Nix’s tenure as U.S. Marshal was cut short. On January 24, 1896, he was dismissed from his position following an audit that alleged misuse of funds. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the perceived "misuse" was likely the result of an inadequate fee system used to compensate U.S. Marshals Service officers at the time. This revelation cast doubt on the validity of the charges against Nix and suggested that his dismissal may have been unjust. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his departure, Nix’s contributions to law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory remain undeniable. He served with distinction, fearlessly confronting some of the most dangerous outlaws of the era and playing a pivotal role in bringing law and order to a lawless land.
After leaving his position as U.S. Marshal, Nix returned to the life of a businessman in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He continued to be a respected member of the community, drawing upon his experiences as a lawman to offer insights and perspectives on the challenges facing the region. In 1929, he co-authored a book titled Oklahombres: Particularly the Wilder Ones with Gordon Hines, which provided a detailed account of the demise of the Doolin-Dalton Gang. This book served as a valuable historical record, preserving the stories of the lawmen and outlaws who shaped the Wild West.
Evett Dumas Nix passed away on February 4, 1946, in Riverside, California, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. He was buried in Paducah, Kentucky, his final resting place a testament to his deep roots and enduring connection to his home state. His life story serves as an inspiration to law enforcement professionals and a reminder of the importance of upholding the law in the face of adversity.