The story of the Sughrue brothers, Michael and Patrick Henry, is a compelling narrative of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to law enforcement on the American frontier. These remarkable twin brothers, Irish immigrants who carved out distinguished careers as prominent lawmen in Kansas, left an indelible mark during the tumultuous era of the Old West.
Born in County Kerry, Ireland, on February 17, 1844, to Humphrey and Mary Sughrue, the brothers faced early adversity when their mother passed away when they were only three years old. At the age of ten, they embarked on a life-changing journey, immigrating to the United States with their father and sister. After an initial period living in Illinois, the family eventually made their way to Kansas around 1858, a territory on the cusp of significant historical events and rapid development.
Michael Sughrue: Civil War Veteran and Frontier Sheriff
Michael Sughrue’s commitment to his new homeland was evident early on. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he answered the call to duty, joining the 7th Kansas Cavalry and serving valiantly until 1865. His military service undoubtedly honed his sense of discipline and resolve, qualities that would prove invaluable in his later career in law enforcement.
A decade after the war, Michael settled in Ashland, Kansas, where he married Anna Walters. Their family grew to include ten children, a testament to the stability Michael sought to build amidst the often-chaotic backdrop of the frontier. He later relocated to Dodge City, a burgeoning cattle town, where he began his career as a deputy under the leadership of his twin brother, Patrick.
In 1884, Michael’s reputation for bravery was put to the test when he was dispatched to Ashland, approximately 50 miles southeast of Dodge City. His mission: to apprehend two “wild cowboys” who were wreaking havoc, riding through town, discharging their pistols, and tragically responsible for the deaths of two men and the wounding of a woman. Upon his arrival, Sughrue successfully captured one of the offenders, Joe Mitchell, but the other, Nels Mathews, managed to flee. While Michael was in pursuit of Mathews, the citizens of Ashland, weary of the lawlessness, took matters into their own hands, and a vigilante group tragically hanged Joe Mitchell. Despite his inability to track down Mathews, the community of Ashland was deeply impressed by Michael Sughrue’s decisive action and courage. Consequently, in December 1884, he was appointed the town marshal, a significant recognition of his capabilities.
Michael continued his distinguished service, becoming the first sheriff of Clark County the following year, in 1885. He held this crucial position until 1890, and later returned to serve a second term from 1899 until his passing in 1901. His tenure as sheriff coincided with a period of significant growth and the establishment of order in the region, tasks that demanded a steady hand and an unyielding commitment to justice. The challenges of maintaining peace in a rapidly developing frontier county were immense, and the Sughrue brothers, through Michael’s dedicated service, consistently met them with unwavering determination.
Patrick Henry Sughrue: Dodge City’s Legendary Lawman
Patrick Henry Sughrue initially pursued a trade as a blacksmith in Leavenworth, Kansas, a practical skill that provided a livelihood. However, his destiny lay in maintaining law and order, and in March 1877, he joined the police force in the infamous cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career in one of the wildest towns of the American West. His effectiveness was quickly recognized, leading to his election as town constable in November 1878.
In 1884, Patrick achieved another significant milestone, being elected Ford County sheriff. His term as sheriff coincided with the final, challenging years of the great cattle drive era. A major crisis arose due to an epidemic of splenic fever among the Texas longhorns, prompting the Kansas authorities to close the state borders to Texas cowboys and their vast herds. Patrick Sughrue was tasked with the exceedingly difficult and often dangerous job of turning back these trail-hardened drovers, a role that required immense courage, diplomacy, and firmness to prevent potential conflicts and outbreaks of violence.
One of Patrick’s notable arrests occurred in July 1884, when he apprehended Mysterious Dave Mather, a notorious figure who had, ironically, served as his deputy just the year before. Mather was charged with the killing of Assistant Marshal Thomas Nixon, though he was later acquitted. The following year, in May 1885, Mather was again arrested for another homicide. However, he never faced trial for this second charge, as Marshal Bill Tilghman famously ran him out of town, ending Mather’s presence in Dodge City.
Throughout his years as a lawman, Patrick Henry Sughrue, one of the remarkable Sughrue brothers, earned a formidable reputation for tenacity and effectiveness. His duties often took him far beyond the Kansas plains, as he traveled to distant locations such as New York and Fort Worth, Texas, to retrieve prisoners. These arduous journeys underscored the commitment required of frontier lawmen. He earned a formidable reputation as one of the West’s finest law enforcement officers, his name synonymous with bringing order to a lawless land.
After Dodge City began to transition from a wild frontier settlement to a more settled community, Patrick Sughrue continued his public service, dedicating many years as the postmaster near Fort Dodge. This role allowed him to remain a respected figure in the community. Tragically, his life came to an untimely end in 1906. While attending a political convention in Topeka, Kansas, he fell from an open elevator shaft in the Copeland Hotel, an accident that brought a sudden close to the life of a true Western legend.
The Enduring Legacy of the Sughrue Brothers
The lives of Michael and Patrick Henry Sughrue exemplify the spirit of the American frontier. From their humble beginnings as Irish immigrants, they rose to prominence as courageous and steadfast lawmen, instrumental in shaping the early legal landscape of Kansas. Their dedication to justice, often in the face of extreme danger and societal unrest, helped bring a semblance of order to the wild cattle towns and developing counties of the late 19th century.
As deputies, marshals, and sheriffs, the Sughrue brothers faced down outlaws, managed public health crises, and upheld the law with unwavering integrity. Their stories are a vital part of the history of Dodge City and Clark County, reminding us of the individuals who risked everything to build a civilized society in the untamed West. Their legacy as among the most courageous lawmen of their era is undeniable, and their contributions continue to be remembered and honored in the annals of Western history.
