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Sheriffs -- Fiction Books
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Walt Coburn
Paid off
"Paid Off" by Walt Coburn is a fictional novelette written during the early 20th century. The story follows two cowpunchers, Shorty Carroway and Tad Ladd, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Montana after a skirmish in a saloon leads them to unforeseen troubles with the local law and a sinister cattle baron named Luther Fox. The main characters, Shorty and Tad, exhibit a mix of humor, bravery, and resourcefulness as they find themselves embroiled in a larger conflict involving cattle rustling and personal vendettas. At the start of the tale, Shorty Carroway engages in a gritty fistfight with a larger man in a saloon, a confrontation that draws the attention of the sheriff and the local crowd. The arrival of the sheriff abruptly halts the tussle, but not before the both cowboys find themselves arrested. Shortly after, they meet Luther Fox, who offers them a choice between prison or working for him to collect a debt from Hank Basset, a rancher under pressure. As the plot unfolds, the two cowpuncters quickly realize that the stakes are higher than they initially thought, especially with the tensions rising against Luther Fox. This intriguing blend of action, humor, and moral decisions sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with the challenges and camaraderie typical of Western adventures.
H. (Henry) Bedford-Jones
The Sheriff of Pecos
"The Sheriff of Pecos" by H. Bedford-Jones is a novel written in the early 20th century. This Western tale is set in the rugged landscape of Pahrump County and revolves around Jack Robinson, a seemingly peaceable stranger who becomes embroiled in local conflicts involving power struggles, ranches, and accusations of murder. The story intertwines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, particularly highlighting the tension between old bonds and new dangers. The opening of the novel introduces several key characters and sets the stage for a gripping conflict. Jack Robinson enters a saloon in Pahrump, where he quickly gets involved in a dangerous game of recognition, deception, and gunplay. The narrative reveals a rivalry involving individuals like Templeton Buck, who has ulterior motives regarding the Shumway ranch and the fate of its occupants, including Estella Shumway, who is struggling to keep her family’s ranch afloat. As Robinson exposes himself to local threats and violent entanglements, the tension builds around impending confrontations with figures like Buck and Murphy, stirring suspense and intrigue about how these dynamics will unfold in the rugged backdrop of the West.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
By order of Buck Brady
"By Order of Buck Brady" by W. C. Tuttle is a crime fiction short story that likely dates back to the early 20th century. Set in the dusty, tense atmosphere of a frontier town in the American West, the narrative revolves around the antics of Buck Brady, the sheriff of Mojave Wells. The plot centers on a brewing feud between two young cowboys, Bud Hickman and Pete Asher, both vying for the affections of the same woman, and the potential for violence that threatens the town. In this engaging tale, Sheriff Buck Brady, known for his whittling, is presented with an escalating situation as the two cowboys prepare to duel over the affections of a girl named Rosie Smith. As the sun sets, Buck cleverly intervenes to prevent bloodshed by emptying both men's guns without their knowledge, revealing their misguided intentions fueled by the rivalry. Ultimately, Buck exposes the absurdity of their feud, pointing out that Rosie is no longer in town, emphasizing the futility of their conflict. The story wraps up with a humorous tone as Buck returns to his whittling, showcasing his unique approach to law enforcement and the unorthodox resolution of the conflict.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Loco or Love
"Loco or Love" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the American West during the early 20th century. The story follows two partners, Ike Harper and Sheriff Magpie Simpkins, as they navigate their roles in law enforcement while becoming entangled in a budding romance with a mysterious woman named Lily Lester. The plot delves into themes of friendship, love, and the often comedic misadventures of life on the frontier. The narrative unfolds as Ike and Magpie, after discovering Lily’s cabin, become infatuated with her. Their friendly rivalry for her affection leads to a series of humorous exchanges and interactions, filled with witty banter and misunderstandings. As they attempt to protect Lily and pursue their duties as lawmen, they inadvertently face a robbery, and it is through these escapades that their true feelings emerge. The story reaches a turning point when they stumble upon Lily's secret identity, revealing her connection to Abraham Lincoln, adding a twist to their love-struck pursuit. Ultimately, the book combines elements of comedy and adventure, highlighting the dilemmas of love and friendship against the backdrop of their tumultuous lives in the wild West.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Tied Up for Tombstone
"Tied Up for Tombstone" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the early 20th century. It takes place in a fictional Western town named Piperock, characterized by the antics and colorful personalities of its citizens, particularly the sheriff and a recently returned vagabond seeking adventure. The storyline likely revolves around themes of lawlessness, political intrigue, and the dynamics of small-town life in the American West. In the book, the protagonist, Ike Harper, returns to Piperock after a lengthy absence, only to find his old partner, Magpie Simpkins, has taken over as the town's sheriff and newly appointed editor of the local newspaper, "The Piperock Pilot". As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to a cast of quirky characters, including the notorious outlaw Tombstone Todd and various townsfolk who find themselves embroiled in comedic misadventures. Magpie struggles with his dual roles while dealing with threats from Tombstone, and his attempts at journalism produce a series of humorous escapades, ultimately culminating in a clever and amusing critique of small-town politics and life.
George Pattullo
The Sheriff of Badger: A Tale of the Southwest Borderland
"The Sheriff of Badger: A Tale of the Southwest Borderland" by George Pattullo is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Lafe Johnson, a cowboy who arrives in Badger and eventually navigates a series of complex relationships and conflicts. As he interacts with the local community, particularly with Mrs. Floyd and her husband, he becomes embroiled in developing tensions that lead him to a pivotal role as the town's sheriff. The opening of the novel introduces Lafe Johnson as he arrives at the Lazy L Ranch, showcasing his character through his interactions with the ranch crew and his previous acquaintance with Mrs. Floyd. There’s an atmosphere of camaraderie punctuated by humor and hints of underlying tensions as Lafe reflects on the nature of men and their actions. As he settles into the community, he finds himself pulled into complications involving jealousy, rumors, and confrontations with characters like Mrs. Tracey and Buffalo Jim. The narrative establishes Lafe’s position as a likable yet complex figure, setting the stage for his eventual election as sheriff and the challenges that lie ahead in this lawless borderland.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Sun Dog loot
"Sun Dog Loot" by W. C. Tuttle is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a rugged frontier town, focusing on Sheriff Brick Davidson, whose competence is put to the test as a wave of robberies plagues Sun Dog County. The opening portion introduces readers to Brick and his colleagues, including his deputy Harp Harris, as they confront the challenges of law enforcement in a lawless environment dominated by crime. The beginning of "Sun Dog Loot" establishes a tense atmosphere as Brick Davidson grapples with recent high-profile crimes, including a dangerous bank robbery and a stagecoach hold-up. Brick's interactions with the county commissioners highlight the pressure he faces regarding his re-election amid rising crime rates. The narrative is peppered with humor and camaraderie among the characters, especially during exchanges with the quirky Harp and the jocular Silent Slade. As the plot unfolds, Brick's responsibilities intensify further when he must confront both external threats and political machinations while a professional investigator is brought in to assist with the case. The sense of urgency escalates dramatically upon the tragic wreck of a stagecoach, setting the stage for a gripping story filled with intrigue and peril.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Henry goes prehistoric
"Henry Goes Prehistoric" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in Wild Horse Valley and follows the escapades of Henry Harrison Conroy, an unlikely sheriff, as he navigates the challenges of crime, intrigue, and unexpected adventures amidst the rugged backdrop of Arizona during the gold rush era. The narrative centers around Sheriff Henry Conroy, his deputy Judge Van Treece, and their inept yet endearing sidekick, the simple-minded Oscar Johnson. When a local prospector, Old Ben Todd, is found murdered, Henry and his eccentric crew dive into the mystery. The plot thickens with elements of rivalry, corruption, and a comedic twist as they uncover a band of high-graders led by the enigmatic Peter Gonyer. With a mix of whimsical characters and humorous situations, including a series of misadventures involving a new buckboard and various mishaps in Lobo Canyon, Tuttle weaves a tale that critiques the absurdity of frontier life while delivering suspense and laughs. Ultimately, the story addresses themes of friendship, ambition, and the humorous side of facing one’s fears in a chaotic world.
Ray Humphreys
One jump ahead
"One jump ahead by Ray Humphreys" is a Western short story with a crime‑mystery bent, written in the late 1920s. It follows a small‑town sheriff and his deputy as they investigate a mysterious box dug up beneath a bridge, a puzzle that stirs rumors of buried loot and raises the stakes amid local political pressures. Paroled rustler Manuel Perez comes to Sheriff Joe Cook seeking help just as old Grandpa McMeel reports two men digging under the Third Street bridge, a sight that Fred Speers hurriedly “confirms.” The officers find a trench and a dragged trail that vanishes in the creek, and later the sheriff discovers a wallet with a clipping about an old bank robbery—apparently proof the stolen loot was recovered. With the commissioners fretting over elections, the case seems hopeless, but Shorty McKay grows suspicious: Perez’s early release timing doesn’t match his story, the drag marks could hide a peg‑leg footprint, and Speers’s planted clipping points to a staged misdirection. Checking the newspaper files, Shorty finds the clipping freshly cut, then confronts Perez at his new ranch job and recovers a bundle of cash. The truth emerges: Perez and Speers dug up Perez’s own rustling proceeds buried years earlier, not bank loot. Shorty lays out the scheme, the money is seized, and the sheriff’s standing—and reelection prospects—are saved.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
His brother's keeper
"His brother's keeper by W. C. Tuttle" is a Western short story written in the early 20th century. Set in a scorched desert valley, it examines a hard-bitten sheriff’s absolute devotion to the law and how that zeal collides with fate, family, and frontier justice. Sheriff “Duty” Deming alienates his wife and drives away his children by enforcing the law without mercy, even sending his own son to prison on dubious evidence. After arresting a sick hobo for train-hopping, Deming contracts a fever and still rides alone into the lava beds to capture Red Cowan, accused of murdering rancher Al Mitchell. Collapsing in the wasteland, he is found and nursed by Cowan—who is innocent and keeps the sheriff alive at an abandoned ranch. Delirious and obsessed with duty, Deming tries to arrest Cowan and fires wildly, only to die as his former deputy arrives with the truth: the real killer, Slim Delong, confessed before dying, and Mitchell had framed Deming’s son. The story closes on the bitter irony that Deming’s worship of his badge—his “other god”—ultimately destroys him, even as justice belatedly clears his boy.
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