William D. Fossett – 50 Years a Lawman
The American West, a vast and unforgiving landscape, forged legends out of ordinary men and women. Among those who carved their names into the annals of frontier history was William "Bill" or "Will" D. Fossett, a figure who embodied the spirit of the era. Fossett was more than just a lawman; he was a frontiersman, a pioneer, a detective, and a marshal who dedicated half a century to upholding the law in the burgeoning territories of Kansas and Oklahoma. His story is a testament to the grit, determination, and unwavering commitment that defined the men who brought order to the wild frontier.
Born around 1851, William D. Fossett hailed from the state of New York. In 1873, he ventured westward to the untamed lands of southern Kansas. Unlike many who sought fortune in gold or land, Fossett’s calling was to maintain order. He quickly established himself as a cowboy and a law enforcer, tasked with the dangerous job of tracking down bandits and outlaws who preyed upon travelers and settlers along the famed Chisholm Trail. This vital artery of commerce and migration was a magnet for lawlessness, and Fossett’s early career was spent in its turbulent shadow.
The late 19th century saw the rise of the "cowtowns" – settlements that boomed with the arrival of cattle drives, attracting a volatile mix of cowboys, gamblers, and opportunists. Caldwell, Kansas, was one such town, known for its reckless and often violent atmosphere. It was here that William D. Fossett began his formal career as a lawman, serving as an assistant marshal. This position placed him directly in the path of danger, requiring him to navigate the complexities of a town teeming with potential for conflict. Caldwell in the 1880s was a far cry from the quiet communities of the East Coast; it was a place where disputes were often settled with a gun, and where the line between right and wrong could be blurred.
In 1881, Fossett moved to Kingman, Kansas, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable and courageous lawman. As City Marshal of Kingman until 1887, he was responsible for maintaining peace and order in a rapidly growing town. His duties ranged from settling minor disputes to apprehending dangerous criminals. During this time, he honed his skills in investigation, negotiation, and, when necessary, the use of force. The experiences he gained in Kingman would prove invaluable in his later career as a U.S. Deputy Marshal.
Leaving Kingman in 1887, William D. Fossett briefly worked on the construction crews building the expanding railroad network. This period, though seemingly unrelated to law enforcement, offered him a different perspective on the West. He witnessed the rapid transformation of the landscape and the influx of new settlers drawn by the promise of opportunity. This experience undoubtedly broadened his understanding of the challenges facing the region and the importance of establishing a stable society.
The year 1889 marked a turning point in Fossett’s life. Drawn by the allure of free land, he joined thousands of others in the Oklahoma Land Rush. This dramatic event saw settlers racing to claim parcels of land in the newly opened territory. Fossett lined up west of the Kingfisher Station, staking his claim and becoming a landowner. However, his passion for law enforcement remained strong. He soon returned to working for the railroad, this time as a special agent, protecting its interests and maintaining order along its routes.
The next chapter in William D. Fossett’s career saw him appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, a prestigious position that placed him at the forefront of law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory. He served alongside legendary figures such as Heck Thomas and Bill Tilghman, forming a formidable team dedicated to bringing outlaws to justice. One notable success came in April 1897, when Fossett, Thomas, Tilghman, and Sheriff Rhinehart apprehended Little Dick West, a member of the notorious Doolin Gang, near Guthrie, Oklahoma. The capture of West was a significant victory for law enforcement, and the four men shared a $2000 "Dead or Alive" reward, a testament to the dangers they faced.
On November 6, 1897, Fossett’s dedication and effectiveness were recognized with his appointment as Chief Deputy of Oklahoma Territory. This elevated position placed him in charge of a large team of lawmen and gave him greater authority in combating crime across the territory. Shortly after his appointment, Fossett faced a daring challenge when outlaws Bob Hughes, Bill Bourland, and other gang members attempted to rob a Rock Island train near Pond Creek, Oklahoma. Unbeknownst to the bandits, Deputy Marshal Fossett was guarding the train. In the ensuing gunfight, Fossett killed outlaw leader Bob Hughes, forcing the gang to flee empty-handed. The remaining members were captured a few days later by Deputy Marshal Chris Madsen, further cementing Fossett’s reputation as a fearless and capable lawman.
Fossett’s commitment to justice extended beyond high-profile cases. He also played a key role in driving out lesser-known but equally dangerous outlaws. He rode with Bill Banks and other posse members to dislodge the notorious Zip Wyatt and Ike Black from their stronghold in the Gloss Mountains. This relentless pursuit ultimately resulted in the deaths of the fugitives, demonstrating Fossett’s unwavering determination to rid the territory of lawlessness.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, William D. Fossett served as a lawman in various capacities, dedicating an impressive 50 years to upholding the law and protecting the innocent. He remained a resident of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, until his death in 1940, leaving behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. His life story is a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices made by those who brought order to the American West, shaping it into the society we know today.
The grave of William D. Fossett in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, stands as a silent tribute to a life spent in service to the law. It is a place where one can reflect on the sacrifices made by individuals like Fossett, who faced danger and adversity to establish a foundation of order and justice in a wild and untamed land. His story is not just a tale of gunfights and outlaws; it is a story of dedication, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better society.