Line Rider: An Arizona Ranger’s True Story of Indians, Outlaws, Gamblers, and Stampedes

by Joseph Harrison Pearce, J Washburn, Holly Ong (Editor)

Line Rider is the true story of the life of Joseph Harrison Pearce (1873-1958), written by his own hand.During his lifetime, the “wild west” from the storybooks still lived and breathed in one of the last places to be modernized—Arizona. Joe, as he calls himself, took various roles throughout his adventurous life, including sheep herder, cowman, suitor, tracker, line rider, and, most famously, that venerated breed of law man known as the Arizona Ranger.His story leads him to encounters with cattle rustlers, gamblers, saloons, stampedes, horse thieves, Indian trackers, outlaws, and nearly every other subject that later made its way into western legend.But this story is absolutely real, told in his own voice in vivid detail.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2013

Reviews

[Mixon Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Line Rider by Joseph Harrison Pearce gives a raw and vivid look at life in the American Southwest around the turn of the century. If you’re into Old West history or curious about what life was really like back then, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

What really makes it stand out is that Pearce actually lived through everything he writes about. His storytelling feels real and personal, like you’re sitting down with someone who’s been there and done it all. The fact that the editors kept his original voice intact just adds to that—it feels more like hearing stories from a family member than reading some polished history book.

The editor’s notes at the end of each chapter were a nice touch, too. They clear up historical stuff or old-school lingo that might be lost on modern readers. I especially liked the parts where they broke down cowboy slang and local traditions—it helped everything click without breaking the rhythm of the story.

If you’ve got a thing for cowboy tales, frontier life, or the wild Southwest of the early 1900s, Line Rider is both entertaining and eye-opening. Totally recommend it.

[Brucito · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Red Dead Redemption” if Arthur Morgan was a law man—but it’s a true story. Absolutely fascinating insight into what the Wild West was really like. This book reads just like an autobiography of a gun-singing, spur-wearing, badge-wielding cowboy (which it is)—so we miss out on a few things, but it makes the story feel wonderfully authentic (which it is).

The narrator for the audiobook almost sounds like Jeff Bridges’ take on Rooster Cogburn, which makes it a super fun listen, if you prefer the audiobook route.

[Mr. Richard W. Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arizona pioneers

This is rated a number five because of Pearce's written accounts and outstanding editorship by Washburn. I've read many early accounts of Arizona pioneers with Line Rider being among the top of similar type histories. Pearce covers many subjects incorporating his western humor and personal thoughts. A worthy addition to any western library.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and informative. My father was career Air Force,and besides 4 years in England my childhood was spent in the western U.S. during the era of Open Ranges. Many times while travelling during my dad's annual 30-day-leave,we saw mounted cowboys and cattle.This book brought back many memories of the west in the 50's.

[Aditya Ganjoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography of a Western tough man - in the exact form and feature a Western fan would want to read. It has laws, Outlaws, tracking, trailing, rustling and what not? Plus some tricks and techniques to survive the old West.
My only discomfort is the number of times Joseph has written about him doing the missions alone. Was that even possible in the old West? I have my reservations...

[R.J. Sloane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A True Tale with Grit
Line Rider delivers the real-deal life of Arizona Ranger Joseph Pearce, told in his own words. It’s packed with outlaws, stampedes, and frontier justice—everything you’d expect from the Old West. Pearce’s firsthand voice gives it authenticity, but the pacing drags in spots. Still, if you’re into true western history and don’t mind a slower ride, it’s worth saddling up for.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to experience our nation’s history.

A most enjoyable journey through Joe’s life in Joe’s comfortable cadence. A wonderfully intimate look at one man’s live in this nation at the turn of the last century. This is how history should be taught.

[Jaime Guerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Western book I've ever read. I felt like i was living in the southwest at the turn of the 20th century. I feel like i understand what life was like back then more then ever before. Joe Pearce is an unsung hero. Great read. Highly recommend it to anyone that likes old west cowboys.

[Steven Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I have read this book. It is a keeper. Will be on my self a long time. THANK YOU JOE!

I do not read many books I can not put down, this one is a page turner! Thank You Joe

[Douglas Reedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories.

The author has some of the most interesting stories that I have ever heard of in a nonfiction book. Lovers of true life westerns will enjoy reading this book.

[Vince Pillig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Great book very interesting. Wish there was a little more detail at times. Here slid quite a life. Think I'm going to have to try to find other info on him!