William Matthew Tilghman
US Marshall, Sheriff and Chief of Police
1849-1924
BP: Fort Dodge, IA
Born in Fort Dodge, IA, in 1849, Tilghman became a Deputy Sheriff for Charlie Bassett of Ford County, Kansas in 1878 and later joined the legendary Sheriff Bat Masterson in the same capacity. Bill was headquartered in Dodge City, the explosive cow town that attracted the deadliest gunners, professional gamblers, scouts and traders of the day. Tilghman had a knack of controlling bad men without killing them, unlike many of his fellow peace officers. For the next 50 years he worked in various law enforcement capacities as US Marshal, Sheriff and Chief of Police. Bill single-handedly captured Bill Doolin of the Dalton Gang and later became such an authority on outlaw gangs that he was hired to supervise the production of a movie on the subject. Tilghman was shot dead November 1, 1924.
We send up Smoke Signals each month…
Sign up to receive Smoke Signals, High Noon’s monthly e-magazine, for collecting and auction news, special features, recipes… and much more!
Or, just register with High Noon to receive the latest news on events, new acquisitions, consignment opportunities and much more…
Join High Noon's Email List
If problems with website occur, please contact the webmaster. Site designed by Ireland Graphic Design.