Old West Lawmen List – C
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and untamed spirit, was also a realm where the long arm of the law struggled to reach. In this era of cowboys, cattle rustlers, and burgeoning settlements, a special breed of men and women rose to the challenge of maintaining order. These were the lawmen of the Old West, figures etched in history and folklore for their bravery, dedication, and often, their complex moral compasses. This article delves into the lives and careers of some of these individuals whose names begin with the letter "C," offering a glimpse into their contributions to shaping the legal landscape of the frontier.
This "Old West Lawmen List – C" presents a collection of brief biographies, each shedding light on the diverse roles these individuals played, from U.S. Deputy Marshals to town marshals and members of specialized law enforcement groups. Their stories, often intertwined with violence, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice, provide a rich tapestry of the Old West experience.
Benjamin Elias Cabell (18??-1888) – This "Old West Lawmen List – C" begins with a U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, a pivotal location for law enforcement in the region. Cabell’s service highlights the dangers faced by these officers. In July 1888, he was tasked with a perilous mission: to retrieve six prisoners previously in the custody of officer John Phillips, who had been killed by the outlaw Dan Barnett in Eufaula, Oklahoma. This single assignment underscores the risks inherent in maintaining law and order in the often lawless territories. The story of Benjamin Elias Cabell is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice that defined many of these frontier lawmen.
Bill Caine (18??-1893) – Caine was another U.S. Deputy Marshal, commissioned in the Southern District of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas, under Marshal Sheb Williams. His story is a stark reminder of the violent encounters that were common for lawmen in the Old West. In April 1893, Caine was fatally shot while attempting to arrest Bud English, a prominent stockman near Woodville, Chickasaw Nation. Caine was part of a posse tracking a gang of horse thieves that included English, and the arrest attempt devolved into a deadly gunfight. The pursuit of justice in this case extended years beyond Caine’s death. It wasn’t until years later that one of the posse members recognized English on the streets of Ardmore, Oklahoma, leading to his arrest for Caine’s murder, nine years after the crime. This "Old West Lawmen List – C" entry exemplifies the unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
James Cairns (1851-1934) – Born in Scotland in 1851, Cairns’s journey to becoming a lawman in the American West illustrates the diverse backgrounds of those who shaped the frontier. After immigrating to the United States and living in Indiana in 1871, he moved to Kansas and, in 1875, began his career as a peace officer in Wichita. It’s interesting to note that 1875 was also the year a young Wyatt Earp was hired, both men earning $60.00 per month. Cairns rose through the ranks to become Wichita’s town marshal in 1879, a position he held for eleven years. Adding another layer of intrigue to his story, Cairns was also the brother-in-law of the famous Bat Masterson, having married Bat’s sister, Nellie. This "Old West Lawmen List – C" entry connects the life of James Cairns to some of the most iconic figures of the Wild West.
A. J. Caldwell – This U.S. Deputy Marshal was commissioned on June 12, 1893, in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George Crump. His story, though brief, highlights the collaborative nature of law enforcement in the region. On May 5, 1894, Caldwell worked with Officer Tucker to arrest Poley Empson for the murder of Dave Buchanan, a U.S. Deputy Marshal and Indian Policeman. This act of justice underscores the dangerous circumstances these officers faced.
California State Rangers – This entry differs from the others, as it focuses on a law enforcement organization rather than an individual. The California State Rangers, California’s first statewide law enforcement agency, were formed in 1853. The legislature authorized a body of some 20 men to capture or kill the Mexican bandit Joaquin Murrieta and his gang, known as the Five Joaquins. Led by former Texas Ranger Captain Harry Love, the Rangers tracked down the gang and allegedly killed Murrieta and his right-hand man, Manuel Garcia, known as "Three-Fingered Jack." While the Rangers were later disbanded, Captain Love and another ranger stayed on at the State Capitol and helped to form the California State Police. Over the years, the organization was reorganized several times and eventually merged with the California Highway Patrol in 1995. The legacy of the California State Rangers as a pioneer law enforcement entity is an essential part of the state’s history. This "Old West Lawmen List – C" acknowledges this group’s contributions to establishing law and order in the early days of California.
Harry H. Callahan – As this "Old West Lawmen List – C" continues, it sheds light on U.S. Deputy Marshal Harry H. Callahan, commissioned in the Fourth District of the Texas Eastern District in 1893. Callahan lived near Hominy, Oklahoma, and worked the Osage country with Deputy Marshals Lee Taylor and Charles Douglas. In April 1894, Callahan was involved in a gunfight with several other deputies when they tried to arrest six outlaws southeast of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Callahan killed outlaw Tom Crook during the fray, and the posse captured the others. In August of 1896, Harry and his posse were involved in a running gunfight with the Doolin Gang. During the shooting fray, one of the outlaws was shot but was carried off when they made their escape. This entry highlights the constant threat of violence that lawmen faced while pursuing notorious outlaws.
George Washington Campbell (1850-1881) – Campbell’s career path demonstrates the diverse roles a lawman could hold in the Old West. He served as a deputy in Clay County, Texas; a cattle detective in New Mexico; and briefly as City Marshal in El Paso, Texas. Born on December 23, 1850, in Greenup County, Kentucky, Campbell’s early life was marked by tragedy, with his father dying six months before he was born and his mother when he was just nine. By 1875, Campbell had moved to Montague County, Texas, where he worked as a cattle ranch cook. However, the following year, he lived at Henrietta, Texas, where he became a deputy under Sheriff John T. Craig. As a lawman, he quickly gained a reputation for bravery and honesty. On May 15, 1880, he accepted a job as a detective for a cattle raisers’ association in New Mexico. While in El Paso, Texas, he was offered the position of El Paso City Marshal by the end of the year. However, due to low or unpaid salary, he resigned in January 1881. Tragically, Campbell was inadvertently involved in the infamous "Four Dead in Five Seconds" gunfight and was shot by El Paso City Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire on April 14, 1881. He died the following day. This "Old West Lawmen List – C" entry serves as a somber reminder of the dangers and complexities of law enforcement in the Old West.
J.E. Campbell – Campbell served as a sergeant in the Arizona Rangers in 1903.
James J. Campbell (18??-1891) – This U.S. Deputy Marshal was commissioned on August 6, 1881, in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshals Valentine Dell, Thomas Boles, John Carroll, and Jacob Yoes. He was killed on May 25, 1891, underscoring the risks associated with the job.
Malcolm "Old Grizzly" Campbell (1839-1932) – Born near London, Ontario, Canada, on June 4, 1839, Malcolm Campbell was another example of a frontier lawman with a captivating story.
Rufus "Rufe" Cannon – This U.S. Deputy Marshal, commissioned on September 15, 1892, in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes, was one of the most important black lawmen of the Oklahoma territorial era. Cannon’s story highlights the contributions of African Americans to law enforcement in the Old West, a narrative that is often overlooked. His presence on this "Old West Lawmen List – C" serves as a reminder of the diverse individuals who shaped the history of the frontier.
Frank M. Canton, aka Joe Horner (1849-1927) – Canton’s transformation from cowboy and outlaw to respected lawman is a compelling narrative of redemption. His story challenges the simplistic good-versus-evil portrayals often associated with the Old West and demonstrates the potential for individuals to change and contribute to society.
John Carlton (1837-1887) – This U.S. Deputy Marshal, commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas, was killed in the line of duty on November 5, 1887. Carlton was born about 1837 and resided at Searcy, Arkansas. He was employed by the United States Secret Service and served as a soldier in the First Texas Confederate Infantry during the Civil War before being appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. He was killed in the line of duty on November 5, 1887, while attempting to arrest John Hogan in Dennison, Texas. Hogan was tried and convicted in a Texas court and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1888.
James Carlyle (18??-1880) – Carlyle, a deputy sheriff in Las Vegas, New Mexico, was killed on December 1, 1880.
B.P. "Bat" Carr – Primarily a gambler and businessman, Carr was made city marshal of Caldwell, Kansas, and made the mistake of hiring Henry Newton Brown as a deputy. Brown would rob a bank, kill a man, and be hanged.
T. Jeff Carr – The first sheriff of Laramie County, Wyoming Territory, in 1869, Carr made Wild Bill Hickok check his guns in Cheyenne and, in 1876, arrested Jack McCall, the man who shot Hickok. He later served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal for Wyoming.
William H. "Bill" Carr (18??-19??) – A U.S. Deputy Marshal commissioned in the Western District Court at Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1887, Carr had a solid service record but was accused of assisting the outlaw Christian brothers from escaping jail in Oklahoma City and spent the rest of his life hiding.
The "Old West Lawmen List – C" is a glimpse into the lives of those who sought to bring order to a chaotic era. While their methods may seem harsh by today’s standards, their dedication and courage helped shape the legal foundations of the American West. Their stories, filled with both triumph and tragedy, continue to fascinate and inspire.