Henry Brown

A Kansas Portrait

In late June 1882, the city council of Caldwell, then the wildest cowtown in Kansas, appointed a former companion of Billy the Kid as its assistant marshal.

Henry Brown did such an outstanding job in keeping the peace that he was soon appointed city marshal and on New Year's Day 1883 an appreciative citizenry presented him with a fine Winchester rifle, model 1872. A "handsome silver plate" nailed to the stock permanently recognized Marshal Brown's "valuable services."

Henry continued his good work, married a local girl, bought a house and set up housekeeping.

In the spring of 1884 he requested permission for him and his assistant, Ben Wheeler, to go south into the Indian Territory in pursuit of a murderer for whom there was a reward of $1,200. Knowing Henry needed the money the mayor gladly gave him permission.

A few days later Brown, Wheeler and two cowboys rode into Medicine Lodge and attempted to rob the local bank. Although both the president and cashier were fatally shot, the robbery failed. Irate citizens pursued the fleeing outlaws and captured them.

The prisoners were placed in jail but a mob formed, overpowered the sheriff and his deputies, and opened the cell door. All the prisoners made a dash for freedom in a hail of bullets. Henry Brown fell dead, the others were quickly captured and hanged from an elm tree east of town.

The presentation rifle, which Brown had with him was returned to the widow and for nearly a century was lost to the public. Having been returned to Kansas in 1977, this historic rifle is now on exhibit at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka.