Great Plains Studies, Center for
Date of this Version
1998
Citation
Great Plains Quarterly Vol. 18, No. 4, Fall 1998, pp. 350-51
Abstract
Robert K. DeArment renders an engaging, readable portrait of Frank Canton. In the course of his research, he uncovered numerous previously unused sources which help to explain how this former Texas convict could "change sides" and become a legendary lawman in Wyoming and Oklahoma.
Born Joe Horner and sentenced to the Texas State Prison in Huntsville for robbery under that name in 1877, he escaped from a work gang after two years, turning up in Wyoming with a new name, Frank Canton, and soon a new occupation-lawman. After service as sheriff of Johnson County, Canton threw in with the so-called "Johnson County Invaders" in 1892, becoming co-leader of the group of cattlemen and gunfighters who made an illfated invasion of the northern Wyoming county. Though the mission failed, Canton gained the lifelong support of numerous influential politicians, US Senators Francis E. Warren and Joseph M. Carey among them. Such highly placed friends made it possible for the ex-convict to escape trial for his actions in Johnson County and led eventually to his appointment as adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, a position he held until his death in 1927.
Comments
Copyright 1998 by the Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska- Lincoln