Sheriffs of the West: A Shocking Surprise

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It stunned me recently when I learned that in the Old West, the men who were tasked to keep the peace, protect the citizens, and bring order to lawlessness were not on a set salary and often had to take on extra work to survive. 

 

While generally these men were elected to the position, and some didn’t have any experience in keeping the law, the sheriff was an important person in the town. So, you’d think that not only he’d get a little respect, but also be paid decently in order to provide incentive to keep the town safe, right? After all, Thomas Jefferson called the office of sheriff “The most important of all the executive offices.”

 

1875 Sheriff’s Office in NE

 

The town sheriff had a heap of duties. It included collecting taxes, watching over inmates at the jail and managing the building, investigating crimes, transporting prisoners, arresting lawbreakers, and of course keeping the town safe. That might include breaking up fights, going after Wanted men, stopping a thief, making sure nothing was getting out of hand in the saloon, or a host of other things. I’m imagining there was some paperwork involved somewhere too. It sounds like a full time job, right? Maybe a little quiet time here and there, but generally something was always going on.  

 

Sheriff Langford and family 1888 Florida

 

In return for fulfilling their list of duties, many of these lawmen had their pay come only from a percentage of the fees they collected, like taxes or fines from someone they arrested. In order to supplement, they’d take on extra jobs. One number I read said only 8% of the taxes collected went to the sheriff. While it sounds like a good bit, if a sheriff was in a town where there were primarily homesteaders, I sure can’t see them making much! No wonder the bounty on a Wanted criminal was so tempting! It was a hard job, but I think Jefferson was right. They were the most important of all! 

 

Past Hamilton County, TN Sheriffs

 

Luckily for my sheriff, Asher Steele, he doesn’t have to worry about taking on a second job. His biggest worry is not letting himself fall in love. Asher thinks he comes from bad blood and he’s scared to pass it along. 

 

 

If you are interested in reading a little more, here’s the blurb:

 

The plan? Pretend he’s her betrothed and try not to fall in love.

Sheriff Asher Steele doesn’t plan to settle down. Not ever. In fact, he avoids the ladies all together. And he doesn’t plan to explain why that is. No one’s been able to break through the walls of his emotions and that’s just the way he likes it.

But when Isabelle Bowman comes to town with a secret of her own, and a heap of trouble following her, he might be the only one who can help her. What he’s not counting on is falling in love along the way and considering opening the walls of his heart to protect her.

Running from her half-brother, who desires nothing more than to kill Isabelle Bowman and take her inheritance, she’s desperate for a place to hide. Uninterested in marriage, she thinks the sheriff’s idea is preposterous. But she’s left with no option. With no funds, a sheriff who thinks she’s a troublemaker or a liar, and his plan that will never work, she’s sure things are not going to end well.

But could they both be wrong about what the future holds?

 

And you can click right here to learn more. Asher’s Secret is available in ebook, paperback, human narrated audiobook, and large print.  

 

Now, I have a question for you! Do you have a favorite type of Old West lawman?

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Sarah is wife to an amazing teacher and mom to two boys who are growing up just a little too fast. She spends her days working and writing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

25 thoughts on “Sheriffs of the West: A Shocking Surprise”

  2. Bass Reeves was a US marshal who was also a former slave. Since no one else wanted the job he did well for himself but i would guess had a lot of enemies too.

  5. My type would have been someone who was legit, not on the take, nor a terrifying, slugging person. He didn’t have to be a lady killer, but someone with a clean past and honest and fair. Huh., Doesn’t sound like any sheriff I have read about.

  7. Howdy Sarah! Nice and interesting post this morning! I’m sure it took grit to be a lawman in those days. Doesn’t even sound so easy these days to me! But, back then, must of been harder. I think you would have to “want” to serve. Much like these days. Public service is something you either want or not. Without the pay. Kinda like teachers. They both serve a purpose. My question would have been why do you want to do this? Recognition? Enforcing the law? Protecting those who need it? I’m thinking most were led to it. By something within themselves to commit to it.

    Were there any Matt Dillons back then? As we know, and if you watched Bass Reeves, it sure wasn’t easy. Especially for him! Great series. My husband and I both loved it!

    • I’ve not watched that, and I’m about to look up Bass Reeves. You are right, you had to have a desire to serve. A reason for it. It sure wouldn’t have been easy, and it would have been dangerous for sure!

  8. I agree with Teresa F! It’s Matt Dillon all the way!! He’s the epitome of what Marshall/Sheriff should be!

  10. I like sheriffs that are honest, hard working, people oriented, helpful, open to the Bible if not already, well you get the idea. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

  13. No real favorite. I like variety in their personalities. I just want them to be honest men, trying their best.

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