The Unknown Detective

A killer for hire put fear in the hearts of Arizona rustlers.

By 1887, rustling had become such a problem that the Apache County (AZ) Stock Association hired a range detective to eliminate a few of the most rapacious outlaws. His identity was kept secret and he was named a deputy U.S. marshal. Cold and calculating, he shot down two well-known rustlers, including Ike Clanton. It was enough to strike terror in the hearts of the rabble and sent many of them scurrying for other pastures. He was later identified as Jonas V. “Rawhide Jake” Brighton, a former bad man who became a hired gun for law and order.