Wild-West Lawman Bill Tilghman

Legendary figure of the American Wild West, Bill Tilghman died 100 years ago on 1st November 1924.

Known as a lawman, scout, and soldier, Tilghman is best remembered as a frontier marshall in Oklahoma, where he was a deputy U.S. Marshal and sheriff. His reputation for a sense of justice and restraint in an era defined by gross violence was greatly respected, especially his preference for arrest over gunfighting.

He was born in 1854 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and worked as a scout in the 1870s. His expert knowledge of the plains was invaluable to both law enforcement and military operations and his sharp shooting and tracking capability earned respect amongst his peers.

Bat Masterson

Tilghman initially became a lawman in 1878 when he signed on as a deputy in Dodge City under Bat Masterson, though it is claimed he also served under Sheriff Charlie Bassett of Ford County, Kansas two years before (there is no documentary proof however).

He soon became well-known for his pursuit and capture of outlaws, apprehending many notorious characters such as Wild Bunch leader Bill Doolin in 1896, without the need for deadly force. This was possibly the high point of a distinguished career. He gained a reputation as one of the most honourable figures of the old-west era.

In a scene from his movie

Tilghman died at the age of 70, a hundred years ago, while he was serving as the Police chief of Cromwell, Oklahoma. He was shot several times and killed by Wiley Lynn, a corrupt prohibition agent. Lynn was actually acquitted at trial for the murder, claiming he shot Tilghman in self-defence.

Tilghman never quite reached the legendary status of lawmen Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson but still remains a well-known figure of the American old-west. His memoirs were made into a 1915 film that he directed and starred in himself