Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaw; The Story of Lawman Bill Tilghman BY G.C. Stevens

 

        Lawman Bill Tilghman  from the Authors Collection. 

The Legacy of Bill Tilghman: A True Lawman of the American West.  

In the annals of American frontier history, few figures loom as large as Bill Tilghman, a name synonymous with the Wild West's transition from lawlessness to civilization. Known for his roles as a lawman, deputy U.S. Marshal, and even a film director, Tilghman's life story is a fascinating blend of action, justice, and the inevitable march of progress.

Early Life and the Call to Law Enforcement

Born on July 4, 1854, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Tilghman's early years were shaped by the very environment of the frontier. His idolization of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickok set the stage for his own career in law enforcement. By the age of 24, Tilghman had already become a full-time lawman, first serving as a deputy sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas, a notorious hotspot for outlaws and gamblers. His time in Dodge City was marked by his reputation for being both fearless and fair, traits that would define his career. Tilghman's most notable period came when he joined forces with fellow lawmen.

The Three Guardsmen 

Tilghman joined Heck Thomas and Chris Madsen, forming what became known as the "Three Guardsmen." Operating out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the stern eye of Judge Isaac Parker, known as "The Hanging Judge," they were tasked with bringing order to the lawless Indian Territory. Their mission was monumental: to capture or kill some of the era's most dangerous outlaws, including members of the Doolin gang. Tilghman's contribution was pivotal in tracking down and capturing several notorious members, significantly reducing crime in the area.

After the territories became more settled, Tilghman did not rest on his laurels. He continued his law enforcement career in various capacities, eventually becoming the Sheriff of Lincoln County in Oklahoma. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he ventured into silent films, directing and starring in "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws" in 1915, which was a dramatized account of his own experiences. This film not only served as an entertainment piece but also as a historical document of the time.

Tilghman's 1915 film

A Tragic End

Tilghman's life ended abruptly and tragically on November 1, 1924, at the age of 70. While serving as City Marshal in Cromwell, Oklahoma, he was shot by a corrupt law enforcement officer named Wiley Lynn, who was later acquitted of the crime. The incident underscored the dangers lawmen faced, even in a supposedly "tamed" frontier. 

According to another source, Tilghman was shot on Halloween night, 1924, and died in the early morning of November 1st, 1924, Cromwell Town Marshal and legendary Old West lawman Bill Tilghman was shot outside of a cafe called "Ma Murphy's", by the corrupt prohibition agent Wiley Lynn. Tilghman died in the early morning hours of the first of November.   Tilghman had been brought in to help bring the town under control. One month later the town of Cromwell was torched, with every brothel, bar, flop house and pool hall burned to the ground, allegedly by friends of Tilghman. There was no investigation into the massive fire, and Cromwell never recovered its former wild status, or size. According to a video produced by the videographer / Vlogger Jerry Skinner, Lawman from around the state, converged on Cromwell and burned the town down.

Legacy and Influence

Bill Tilghman's legacy is multifaceted. He was not just a lawman but also a symbol of the Old West's evolution into the modern United States. His stories, whether through his own films or the countless books and movies inspired by his life, keep the spirit of the West alive. Historians and enthusiasts alike remember Tilghman for his bravery, his dedication to justice, and his role in shaping the narrative of the American West.

Tilghman's life was more than just the pursuit of outlaws; it was about the pursuit of order, peace, and the establishment of law in places where chaos reigned. His contributions to law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory paved the way for Oklahoma's statehood in 1907, marking the end of an era and the beginning of another.

In reflecting on Tilghman's life, one can't help but appreciate the complexity of a man who lived through one of the most transformative periods in American history, embodying the transition from the lawless frontier to a structured society. His story, filled with action, bravery, and a commitment to justice, remains a captivating chapter in the epic saga of the American West.

References

Marshal Bill Tilghman: The Truth behind the Movie (Jerry Skinner Documentary) - YouTube

Cromwell, Oklahoma - Wikipedia

Bill Tilghman – Long Term Lawman – Legends of America