The history of Arizona Territory is rich with tales of brave lawmen, but few stories encapsulate pioneering spirit and social reform quite like that of Nabor Pacheco. As the first person of Spanish descent to be elected Sheriff of Pima County in 1904, Pacheco carved a distinctive path, ultimately becoming a pivotal figure credited with ending the practice of public hangings in the territory, a reform that transformed justice in the Old West.
Early Life and Roots in Tucson
Born on July 12, 1861, in the bustling town of Tucson, Arizona, Nabor Pacheco was the son of Refugio and his wife, immigrants who had made the journey from Sonora, Mexico. His father, Refugio Pacheco, was a respected and successful farmer who actively participated in local governance, serving on the Pima County Board of Supervisors from 1871 to 1873. Tragically, Refugio’s promising career and life were cut short when he died suddenly at the young age of 36. Following his education in Tucson, Nabor took up the mantle of his father’s legacy, dedicating himself to farming and raising cattle on the 160 acres of land his family had built.
A Steadfast Rise in Public Service
From an early age, Nabor Pacheco demonstrated a profound commitment to his community and a natural inclination towards leadership. He was a dynamic force in both politics and civic affairs, volunteering his time as a firefighter and co-founding an organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of Pima County’s burgeoning Mexican American population. His political affiliations aligned him with the Republican Party, where he was an active member. During these formative years, Nabor married Carmen Monteverde, and together they would build a family, eventually raising seven children.
Pacheco’s formal career in law enforcement began in 1896 when the Tucson City Council appointed him as a police officer. His dedication and effectiveness quickly became apparent, leading to his election as a Pima County Constable for two consecutive two-year terms starting in 1900. These experiences laid the groundwork for his most significant election in 1904, when he was chosen by the populace as the county’s first Hispanic Sheriff. This historic victory was largely fueled by the strong support of Tucson’s Mexican American voters, a testament to his deep community ties and respected reputation.
Innovation and Unwavering Dedication as Sheriff
As Sheriff, Nabor Pacheco was known for his innovative methods and unwavering dedication to justice. He had an unusual, yet highly effective, constant companion: a loyal dog named Jack. The Arizona Daily Star reported in late 1908 on the emerging trend of training dogs to assist police, noting that Jack was clearly one such animal, a faithful assistant to Pacheco. Author and former Arizona Representative Tom Prezelski vividly describes Jack’s role, stating that he “jumped in and helped” during arrests and was so accustomed to the courthouse that he acted “as if the building was his.”
Beyond his four-legged deputy, Pacheco was also a pioneer in law enforcement technology. While much of a sheriff’s duty in that era was performed on horseback, Pacheco is believed to have been the first Sheriff to regularly utilize an automobile for official pursuits. This forward-thinking approach allowed him to personally chase a robbery suspect all the way to El Paso, demonstrating his tenacity and commitment to capturing criminals, no matter the distance. His reputation for effective law enforcement also led to extensive cooperation with the legendary Arizona Rangers. Author Bill O’Neal’s work on the Rangers frequently highlights Pacheco’s collaboration with Ranger Captain Harry Wheeler, joining forces on numerous posses and dangerous manhunts for rustlers and murderers, even venturing into hostile Indian territories. This synergy between county law enforcement and the territorial rangers underscored Pacheco’s strategic importance and effectiveness in maintaining order across the expansive Arizona landscape.
Ending the Spectacle: Pacheco’s Stand Against Public Hangings
One of the most enduring aspects of Nabor Pacheco’s legacy is his courageous stance against the inhumane practice of public hangings. During his term as Sheriff, public executions remained a grim norm in Tucson, often drawing large crowds eager for the morbid spectacle. Pacheco personally oversaw two such hangings within weeks of each other in 1908. The profound and disturbing experience of these events deeply affected him, prompting him to voice a powerful and prescient criticism:
“It seems to me that Arizona is behind the states of the east in this respect. There they take the men to the state penitentiary, and the thing is done quietly by the warden and his assistants. There is none of this disgusting and unavoidable lack of privacy which turns a hanging into a morbid holiday and kills a convict while hundreds of men and boys stare and gape at him.”
Pacheco did not merely express his disapproval; he actively lobbied for reform. His efforts were instrumental in shifting the responsibility for executions away from county officials and towards the more private, controlled environment of the territorial prison. As a direct result of his advocacy, those two 1908 hangings marked the last public executions ever to occur in Pima County, a significant step forward for justice and human dignity in Arizona Territory. This reformist drive cemented his place not only as a law enforcer but also as a social reformer.
Later Career and Lasting Influence
By 1908, the political landscape of Pima County had shifted, with Democrats regaining a strong foothold. Recognizing this change, Nabor Pacheco chose not to seek re-election as Sheriff. However, his dedication to public service did not wane. He was subsequently appointed City Marshal of Tucson, a role in which he continued his efforts to uphold law and order, particularly during Arizona Territory’s critical push for statehood. As Marshal, he spearheaded a series of raids targeting illegal activities such as drugs, gambling, and prostitution, demonstrating his commitment to a cleaner, more orderly society in preparation for Arizona becoming a state in 1912.
Despite his many accomplishments, Pacheco’s later years in public office were not without challenge. Controversy arose over his son’s alleged involvement in the murder of a prostitute, coupled with a public feud with the Tucson mayor. These events left him vulnerable, and following a sweep of city elections by Democrats, he lost his position as Marshal. Undeterred, Nabor Pacheco transitioned back to his roots, engaging in farming and real estate until his passing in 1920. His life exemplified a profound journey from a farmer’s son to a pioneering lawman and reformer, leaving an indelible mark on Arizona’s history.
Conclusion
The life and career of Nabor Pacheco stand as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have on a community and the course of justice. From his historic election as Pima County’s first Hispanic Sheriff to his courageous and successful campaign to end public hangings, Pacheco was a trailblazer. His dedication to law enforcement, his innovative spirit, and his unwavering commitment to social reform helped shape the future of Arizona. He remains a significant figure, remembered not just for his role in maintaining order in a wild territory, but for his profound contributions to a more humane and equitable justice system, setting a lasting precedent for future generations.
