The annals of the American Old West are replete with tales of courageous lawmen and formidable gunfighters, and among them, the figure of Commodore Perry Owens stands out. Born with a name echoing naval prestige, Owens carved his own legend in the rugged territories of the frontier, becoming renowned for his unparalleled marksmanship and unwavering resolve. This article delves into the extraordinary life and exploits of Commodore Perry Owens, particularly focusing on his pivotal role as a lawman and his involvement in the infamous Owens-Blevins Shootout, a significant event during the turbulent Pleasant Valley War in Arizona.
Early Life and Formative Years
Commodore Perry Owens was born on July 29, 1852, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. His unique first name paid homage to the esteemed naval commander Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, celebrated for his decisive victory over British forces in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The family later relocated to Indiana, but the young Perry, exhibiting an independent spirit that would define his life, ran away from home at the tender age of 13. This early departure set him on a path that would lead him deep into the untamed American West, shaping him into the formidable figure he would become.
A Natural Marksman
His journey westward began with a job as a buffalo hunter for the railroad, a role that demanded exceptional skill and resilience. It was during this period that Owens honed his extraordinary shooting abilities. He became an incredible shot, capable of firing a rifle with remarkable accuracy from the hip, a testament to his natural talent and constant practice. Furthermore, Owens was ambidextrous, a rare and invaluable trait that allowed him to operate with equal proficiency with both hands. He famously carried two pistols, one for each hand, ready for any confrontation. After his tenure as a buffalo hunter concluded, Owens transitioned into the life of a cowboy, working on ranches across territories that would become Oklahoma and New Mexico, further immersing himself in the rugged lifestyle of the frontier.
Arrival in Arizona and the Apache County Sheriff
By 1881, Owens had made his way to Arizona, a territory then rife with conflict and lawlessness, particularly during the escalating Pleasant Valley War. He settled near Navajo Springs, establishing a homestead and becoming a part of the developing frontier community. His reputation as a skilled and fearless individual undoubtedly preceded him, or quickly became apparent, leading to his election as Sheriff of Apache County in 1886. This was a critical time for the region, and Owens’s appointment signaled a strong desire for order. He was widely credited with bringing a semblance of law and order to the notoriously unruly town of Holbrook, a task that required not just courage but also a firm hand and a clear resolve.
Taming Holbrook
Holbrook, during the late 19th century, was a true frontier town, often described as wild and chaotic, a magnet for outlaws and drifters. As Sheriff, Owens faced immense challenges, but his presence alone often commanded respect, and his willingness to confront lawbreakers directly earned him a fearsome reputation. He navigated the complex and dangerous landscape of Apache County, which was deeply embroiled in the Pleasant Valley War, a brutal range conflict between cattlemen (Graham faction) and sheepmen (Tewksbury faction) that saw numerous killings and feuds. Owens, as Sheriff, found himself in the unenviable position of trying to enforce justice amidst widespread vigilantism and cycles of revenge, a task that would test even the most seasoned lawman.
The Legendary Owens-Blevins Shootout
The defining moment in Commodore Perry Owens’s career, and arguably one of the most famous gunfights of the Old West, occurred in September 1887. While attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Andy Blevins (also known as Andy Cooper), a member of the Blevins family heavily involved in the Graham faction of the Pleasant Valley War and wanted for horse theft and murder, Owens rode to the Blevins residence in Holbrook. His mission was to bring Blevins to justice, a dangerous undertaking given the family’s reputation for violence and their extensive network of allies.
Upon arriving at the Blevins home, Owens dismounted and confronted Andy Blevins. Accounts vary slightly, but the general consensus is that Blevins attempted to draw his weapon or resisted arrest, prompting Owens to act decisively. Owens, known for his speed and accuracy, fired, killing Andy Blevins. The situation immediately escalated. John Blevins, Andy’s brother, emerged from the house armed, and Owens quickly turned his attention, firing and fatally wounding him. As another member of the household, Sam Houston Blevins, a teenager, retrieved a rifle and aimed it at Owens, the sheriff shot him down as well. Reportedly, a fourth individual, Mose Roberts, a friend of the Blevins family, was also present and fired at Owens from inside the house, but Owens returned fire, striking and wounding him. In a matter of seconds, Commodore Perry Owens had faced down four armed men, emerging from the violent encounter remarkably unscathed.
The Aftermath and Controversy
Despite his incredible feat of survival and law enforcement, the aftermath of the Owens-Blevins Shootout was complex and controversial. Rather than being hailed universally as a hero for his decisive action in a highly dangerous situation, Owens found himself relieved of his commission as Sheriff. The political climate of Apache County, deeply divided and influenced by the ongoing range war, meant that his actions, however justifiable, were viewed with suspicion by some factions. His term as Sheriff ended, and the legendary gunfight became a subject of intense debate, solidifying his reputation as a man who would not back down, but also highlighting the intricate moral landscape of frontier justice.
Later Life and Enduring Legacy
Following his tumultuous departure from law enforcement, Commodore Perry Owens moved to Seligman, Arizona, a town located along the Santa Fe Railroad. Here, he chose a quieter life, opening and running a saloon. This change of pace reflected a common trajectory for many frontier figures who, after years of danger and conflict, sought more stable existences. In 1902, Owens married, settling into a life away from the headlines and gun smoke that had defined his earlier years. He lived until the age of 66, passing away in 1919. He was laid to rest in Flagstaff, Arizona, marking the final resting place of a man whose life embodied the raw spirit and challenges of the American Old West.
Conclusion: A Frontier Enigma
Commodore Perry Owens remains a fascinating and enduring figure in the lore of the American Old West. From his early days as a runaway and buffalo hunter to his defining period as a fearless Apache County Sheriff, his life was a tapestry woven with courage, conflict, and a relentless pursuit of justice, albeit often through violent means. His unmatched skill with a firearm, particularly showcased in the Owens-Blevins Shootout, cemented his status as one of the most capable gunfighters of his era. While his time as a lawman ended controversially, his impact on taming a wild frontier town like Holbrook and his unwavering commitment to his duties are undeniable. Owens’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the complex heroes who shaped the American frontier, a testament to the individual strength and moral ambiguities that characterized a bygone era.
