Wyoming's Territorial Sheriffs

by Ann Gorzalka

Outlaws names are remembered and recorded, but little is known or written of the men who were faced with upholding the law. Wyoming s territorial sheriffs were courageous and handy with a gun and rope.

Nathaniel Boswell, T. Jeff Carr, and Jim Rankin were brave and colorful. Frank Canton lived on both sides of the law. Joseph Young was called a coward. Bill Jaycox left town without an explanation.

The majority of the men who enforced the law were average citizens who carried out the routine duties of office. Some served in a time of high adventure; some were not as brave as others; some drank too much; and others were escaping shadowy pasts; some rose to the occasion when faced with adversity. Others arranged to be out of town. As Gorzalka chronicles the life of each of the fifty-five sheriffs in Wyoming s territorial days their successes, failures, and motivation the stories combine to create the era s history. Includes photos of most of the sheriffs.

335 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1998

Reviews

[Madisyn Carlin]

I've always loved history, and it was my favorite subject in school, even exceeding English and Literature. I am particularly intrigued by the West, so when the opportunity to read this book arrived, I took it.

Just as Australia was the criminal dumping grounds for England, so was the Wyoming Territory for the Dakota Territory. Naturally, this meant law and order were in short supply. Or, they were before the Wyoming Territorial sheriffs were elected and got involved.

This book is beyond fascinating. It details the lives and "reign" of each WY territorial sheriff, and also focuses on the good, bad, ugly, beautiful, incredulous, and oftentimes bloody history of the Union's 44th state. There is so much information packed within this book that it merits an immediate second read.

Gorzalka did a fabulous job researching these mostly-brave men and the incidents surrounding their sheriff-hood. Such men are often touted to a near-immortal status, especially in the old western movies, but they were just normal men, most of whom desired to do their part for their beloved territory and keep law abiding folks safe. Many, also, were crafty in how they apprehended the criminals, and many such tactics had me laughing.

I particularly enjoyed learning about Harry Longabaugh (the Sundance Kid) and the Johnson County Cattle Wars, which were so bloody and deadly that then-President Harrison had to get involved. What I liked was Gorzalka took an unbiased stand (many books about this topic are deeply entrenched in bias and therefore cannot offer an accurate portrayal) about such a contentious topic. She stated the facts and that was that.

And, although I write fantasy, Wyoming's Territorial Sheriffs gave me several ideas and plot dragons. There is just so much rich history, much of which has been untapped. Wyoming is indeed a fascinating state (although the residents do not invite you to move there. It's closed to outsiders.)

CONTENT WARNING

-- A few usages of profanity: damn and hell

--There were some bad dudes discussed, and their infamy is not for no reason. Their exploits are discussed.

--Violence. This book is suitable for readers 16+ due to some of the...creative violence, which nauseated me. (Didn't happen often, but there are two instances I'm thinking of right now that make this book the opposite of an appropriate bedtime story.)

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I quite enjoyed reading this. While I usually stay away from nonfiction, this book is intriguing. If you enjoy Western history and would like a glimpse into what it was like in the Wyoming Territory, you will like Wyoming's Territorial Sheriffs.