In the tumultuous annals of the American Old West, few figures are as central to the bloody Lincoln County War as Frank MacNab. A formidable gunfighter and a foundational member of the Regulators, Frank MacNab’s actions profoundly shaped one of New Mexico’s most infamous conflicts. His story is one of loyalty, violence, and a relentless pursuit of justice, or what he perceived as such, amidst a landscape rife with corporate greed and simmering rivalries.
Of Scottish descent, MacNab was more than just a participant; he was a pivotal player whose rapid rise through the ranks of the Regulators culminated in his temporary leadership of the faction. This article delves into the life and legacy of Frank MacNab, exploring his origins as a ‘cattle detective’ and his fateful immersion into a war that would define Lincoln County for generations.
Early Life and the Path to Lincoln County
By the early 1870s, Frank MacNab had already forged a reputation for himself, albeit in a less notorious capacity. He was employed as a ‘cattle detective’ for Hunter, Evans, & Company, an enterprise managed by the prominent Texas cattleman, John Chisum. MacNab’s primary objective was to track down and confront rustlers who dared to pilfer Chisum’s valuable livestock. This role required a keen eye, unwavering determination, and a readiness for confrontation—qualities that would serve him well in the impending conflict.
When John Chisum opted to relocate his extensive cattle operations to New Mexico in 1875, MacNab dutifully followed, extending his allegiance and services to his employer in a new territory. This relocation unknowingly set the stage for MacNab’s entry into the maelstrom that was brewing in Lincoln County, New Mexico, a region on the cusp of an explosive economic and political struggle.
The Genesis of Conflict: Alliances and Rivalries
Upon arriving in Lincoln County, Chisum quickly formed a crucial alliance with Alexander McSween, an astute lawyer, and John Tunstall, a prosperous English rancher and merchant. This alliance was forged out of a shared opposition to the established powers of Lawrence Murphy and James Dolan. Murphy and Dolan owned the only store in Lincoln County at the time, effectively monopolizing the local economy and exerting immense influence over its residents. Their ‘House’ controlled supply chains, credit, and political appointments, stifling competition and breeding resentment.
In 1876, McSween and Tunstall bravely challenged this monopoly by opening a rival business. This direct assault on the Murphy-Dolan empire ignited a bitter feud, rapidly escalating tensions in the small frontier town. John Chisum, with his considerable resources, lent his full support to McSween and Tunstall. Aligned with Chisum, Frank MacNab naturally threw his weight behind the new operation. He was not merely an employee but a loyal enforcer, and his commitment to Chisum’s interests meant he was now irrevocably embroiled in the unfolding Lincoln County War.
MacNab’s Ascent as a Regulator
The simmering tensions erupted into open warfare with the tragic murder of John Tunstall on February 18, 1878. Tunstall’s death, at the hands of men associated with the Murphy-Dolan faction, galvanized his allies and employees. In response to this egregious act, a group known as the Regulators was swiftly formed. Their stated purpose was to serve warrants upon those responsible for Tunstall’s murder, but their methods often veered into extra-legal vigilantism.
Frank MacNab quickly emerged as a prominent figure within this newly formed group, serving as the second-in-command under Richard Brewer, the initial leader of the Regulators. His prior experience as a ‘cattle detective’ and his demonstrated fearlessness made him a natural fit for the dangerous work ahead. The Regulators, including Frank MacNab, began their ruthless campaign to avenge Tunstall, setting the stage for some of the war’s most brutal confrontations.
Violent Clashes and Leadership
The Killings of Baker, Morton, and McCloskey
One of the Regulators’ earliest and most controversial actions occurred on March 9, 1878. The group was actively pursuing Frank Baker and William Morton, two men believed to be directly involved in Tunstall’s killing. When the Regulators finally caught up with them, it became clear that their intention was not merely to bring them in for trial. William McCloskey, a minor Regulator believed by some to be sympathetic to the Murphy-Dolan faction, objected to the summary execution of the prisoners. In a shocking display of the ruthlessness that characterized the conflict, MacNab reportedly shot and killed McCloskey. Baker and Morton attempted to flee amidst the chaos but were ultimately gunned down, allegedly by the infamous Billy the Kid. This incident underscored the brutal, ‘eye-for-an-eye’ justice that the Regulators, including Frank MacNab, were prepared to enact.
The Lincoln County Courthouse Shootout
Less than a month later, the Regulators found themselves embroiled in another deadly confrontation. On April 1, 1878, a fierce shootout erupted in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse. Frank MacNab, alongside Billy the Kid and several other Regulators, engaged in a direct gunfight with Sheriff William Brady and his deputies, including George Hindman, Billy Matthews, John Long, and George Peppin. When the dust settled, Sheriff Brady and Deputy Hindman lay dead. This brazen assault on law enforcement significantly escalated the conflict, turning the Regulators from a vigilante group into outlaws in the eyes of the territorial government.
Blazer’s Mill and MacNab’s Command
The violence continued unabated. Just two days after the courthouse shootout, on April 3, the Regulators were involved in yet another gunfight at Blazer’s Mill. This engagement proved fatal for their leader, Richard Brewer, who was killed in the skirmish. With Brewer’s death, the mantle of leadership within the Regulators fell to Frank MacNab. His promotion, though brief, highlighted his standing and reputation for bravery and decisiveness within the group. He was now at the helm of a volatile force, tasked with guiding them through the bloody labyrinth of the Lincoln County War.
The Final Stand and Legacy
MacNab’s tenure as leader was tragically short-lived. On April 29, 1878, a mere 26 days after assuming command, MacNab, accompanied by fellow Regulators Ab Saunders and Frank Coe, was ambushed. They were riding south of Lincoln when they were attacked by the Seven Rivers Warriors, a rival faction aligned with Murphy and Dolan. In the ensuing gunfight, MacNab was killed, Saunders was severely wounded, and Coe surrendered. His death marked a significant blow to the Regulators and signaled the continued intensity of the conflict.
Following MacNab’s demise, Josiah “Doc” Scurlock stepped into the leadership role, vowing to avenge Frank’s death. True to his word, several weeks later, on May 15, Scurlock and his men raided the Seven Rivers Warriors camp, successfully locating and killing Manuel Segovia, the man believed to have fired the fatal shot that ended MacNab’s life. The Lincoln County War continued to rage for several more months until Governor Lew Wallace intervened, threatening to declare martial law in November 1878, effectively bringing the organized conflict to a close. Ultimately, all participants except Billy the Kid were granted amnesty for their roles in the bloody battles, which claimed the lives of approximately 19 men. Frank MacNab’s story, though ending in violence, remains a compelling chapter in the saga of the Old West, illustrating the fierce loyalties and deadly feuds that characterized the era.
