Mention the name Tom Threepersons in New York or Chicago, and you’ll probably evoke a small response. But to utter this full-blooded Cherokee Indian’s name along the Mexican border is to inspire a string of yarns stretching from the Gulf of California to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Yukon to Chihuahua. He was the last of the famous Gunfighting law officers, and his career extended well into the 20th century.
The history of Threepersons is somewhat enigmatic. Though many know his name and have heard of an exploit or two of his, no one I’ve met is really qualified to write his biography. John Voliva, a U.S. Customs Special Agent and gun collector in El Paso, Texas, recently acquired a Smith & Wesson Triplelock .44 Special and a Winchester Model 94 .30-30 carbine Threepersons sold to an El Paso saloon owner in 1929. The barman, Tom Powers, was a collector of the guns of famous western characters; at one time, he owned the Colt SA Pat Garrett used to kill Billy the Kid.
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Great story! I'll have to check out the book.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad may well have known Tom Threepersons when he was working on ranches around Silver City, NM before he joined the Army. It was, and still is, quite a small community where everyone knew everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI have a Threepersons holster for my Model 29 on my short list from El Paso Saddlery.