Henry Plummer: A Novel

by Frank Bird Linderman, Sarah Waller Hatfield (Foreword)

Sheriff and outlaw Henry Plummer needed no introduction to the citizens of Montana Territory in the mid-nineteenth century. And well into the twentieth century, Frank Bird Linderman sought out the stories of the people who knew Plummer—and ultimately hanged him. In 1920 Linderman completed a novel about Plummer’s life, but it was rejected by publisher after publisher. They felt that it showed too much fidelity to historical truth for a public increasingly enamored of western dime novels. Eighty years later, Linderman’s lively interpretation of one of Montana’s most enduring legends is being published for the first time. Plummer scarcely resembled the model sheriffs of movie and television westerns. Coolly calculating, he used his position as sheriff of Bannack during Montana Territory’s first gold rush to organize a band of road agents who systematically robbed and murdered miners in remote areas. The highwaymen became so brazen that the miners felt compelled to band together and wage a vigorous lynch-law campaign to restore order. In 1864 these vigilantes caught up with Plummer and delivered their own brand of justice.

221 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of years ago, I read a book titled, "A Decent Orderly Lynching," by Frederick Allen. It was an amazing book to read, given that it covered a segment of history related to the general area of Montana where I grew up. In this book (Orderly Lynching), I was intrigued by the historical element related to a man named Henry Plummer. I was so intrigued that I spent a day tracing, as much as possible, in a car, some of Plummer's travels as he went back and forth from Bannack to Virginia City. Recently I happened upon the book, "Henry Plummer: A Novel." I purchased it and begin to read it. It is like a companion to the Orderly Lynching book. In this book, Frank Linderman, who happened to live during the times of the Vigilantes, develops a story line that is fascinating for anyone who wants to give thought to the amazing story of the corrupt sheriff (Plummer) of Bannack, Montana. It was a joy to read it and one that I believe gave a fairly good glimpse into the times in which the gold rushes were creating an influx of people to Montana, the corruption of life in the towns of Bannack, Virginia City, Alder, etc., and a glimpse into the role that Vigilantes played in bringing justice to this area.

[Weradi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historical account in fictional form though prob
ably accurate.

[John Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Hard to put down. Although sold as fiction, it has the feel of being historically accurate. Highly recommend.