In the annals of the American Old West, few names evoke the relentless pursuit of justice quite like that of James B. Hume. This remarkable individual transcended the roles of miner and trader to become a pivotal figure in law enforcement, leaving an indelible mark on history as a chief detective for Wells Fargo. His unwavering dedication to apprehending notorious stagecoach robbers, most famously the elusive Black Bart, solidified his legacy as a true frontier lawman.
James Bunyon Hume was born on January 23, 1827, in Delaware County, New York, to Scotch parents Robert and Catherine Rose Hume. His family relocated to Indiana nine years later, and by 1850, James, alongside his brother John, ventured westward to seek their fortunes amidst the burgeoning California goldfields. While prospecting and gold panning formed his initial endeavors, Hume also intermittently managed a trade store, laying the groundwork for his future in the dynamic landscapes of the West.
Early Life and Entry into Law Enforcement
Hume’s transition into public service began in 1860 when he accepted a position as a deputy tax collector for El Dorado County, California. His formal career as a lawman commenced in 1864, marked by his appointment as City Marshal of Placerville, California. In the very same year, he further advanced his career by becoming the Undersheriff of El Dorado County. During this period, Hume played a crucial role in the capture, incapacitation, and dispersal of Ingram’s Rangers, a group of approximately 50 Confederate Bushwhackers responsible for the Bullion Bend Robbery and several other planned raids before their eventual breakdown by Union authorities. His early actions demonstrated a keen ability to confront and dismantle organized criminal elements, foreshadowing his later successes.
In 1868, Hume successfully ran for Sheriff of El Dorado County, serving for two impactful years. His reputation for integrity and effectiveness quickly grew, catching the attention of powerful institutions. In 1871, the formidable Wells Fargo & Company recruited him as a detective. However, his service was briefly interrupted the following year when he was granted a leave to serve as deputy warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City. This critical assignment came after a September 1871 incident where 29 inmates severely injured the warden and escaped. Hume served in this challenging prison environment for 11 months, further honing his skills in security and criminal management.
Joining Wells Fargo: The Rise of a Detective
By 1873, James B. Hume returned to Wells Fargo & Company, ascending to the prestigious role of Chief Special Officer. His primary mandate was to protect the invaluable gold, money, and other treasures transported by stagecoaches across the vast American West. Wells Fargo had already established a strong reputation for prioritizing safety in its shipments, employing measures such as sturdy wooden boxes carried in the stagecoach’s front boot or securely fastened iron safes inside the coach. Despite these precautions, the allure of Wells Fargo’s treasure boxes proved irresistible to outlaws, making robbery attempts a frequent occurrence.
To combat this escalating threat, the company also enlisted armed messengers, famously known as “shotgun messengers,” who rode upfront with drivers to guard precious cargo. Furthermore, Wells Fargo maintained a specialized force of special agent investigators. Though these agents often lacked formal arrest powers, they were meticulously trained in evidence collection and advanced investigative techniques, developing a formidable reputation for their relentless pursuit of criminals. Their efforts were crucial as, despite its profitability, Wells Fargo’s losses due to robbery were steadily increasing.
As the head of this elite detective force, operating across California, Nevada, and Utah, Hume was widely lauded. Contemporaries described him as “one of the best detectives on the Pacific Coast; prompt, vigilant, and firm; always sober, reticent in his business affairs; knew no fear of danger; confided into the fullest extent of his employers, and generally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.”
Innovation in Detective Work and the Pursuit of Justice
Hume immediately embarked on a mission to fortify Wells Fargo’s investigative unit. He personally cultivated relationships with drivers and shotgun messengers, gaining invaluable insights into their operations. Demonstrating strategic foresight, he frequently altered stagecoach routes and schedules to thwart potential ambushes. A significant innovation under his leadership was the redesign of the treasure box, making it exceptionally difficult for a single person to handle and thus deterring lone robbers.
Beyond operational changes, Hume was a pioneer in applying early forensic science to criminal investigations. He ingeniously used ballistics, matching buckshot and bullets to specific firearms, and meticulously took footprints to link criminals to crime scenes. Wells Fargo’s special agents, under Hume’s guidance, actively pursued robbers and often collaborated with local sheriffs and law enforcement officers. Their unwavering commitment and sharp investigative acumen distinguished them, establishing a legacy of dogged pursuit that made Wells Fargo a formidable adversary for any outlaw.
James B. Hume also developed a comprehensive “mug book” – a collection of photographs and descriptions of known bandits – which served as an invaluable resource. Following a robbery, the nearest Wells Fargo agent would report the crime, coordinate law enforcement efforts, and issue reward posters, enlisting public assistance. Typically, a reward of $250, plus a quarter of any recovered treasure, was offered for the arrest and conviction of a robber.
The Black Bart Case: Hume’s Defining Triumph
Among Hume’s most celebrated achievements was the capture of Charles E. Boles, better known as Black Bart, one of the most cunning and notorious stagecoach robbers of his era. Black Bart, a self-proclaimed
