The American Old West was a crucible of conflict and ambition, and figures like Neil Howie embodied the complex nature of law and order in this tumultuous era. A territorial lawman in Montana, Howie distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to justice, often working in conjunction with the controversial Montana Vigilantes to bring order to a land plagued by rampant outlawry. His life, marked by prospecting, freighting, and serving in various official capacities, reflects the challenging realities faced by those who sought to tame the frontier.
Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1837, Neil Howie embarked on a journey that would take him from the Old World to the heart of the American West. As a young boy, he immigrated to the United States and was raised in Wisconsin, a common path for many who eventually ventured further west. His restless spirit led him to Colorado for a period, before the allure of the burgeoning Montana Territory called to him in 1863.
Early Montana Ventures and a Crucial Capture
Upon his arrival in southwestern Montana, Howie initially pursued gold prospecting, like countless others drawn by the promise of mineral riches. He also found work as a freighter, shuttling vital supplies between Salt Lake City and the gold-rich Beaverhead-Madison country. It was during one of these return trips from Salt Lake in January 1864 that Neil Howie first gained significant recognition for his courage and dedication to upholding order. Single-handedly, he captured the notorious road agent “Dutch John” Wagner, a feat that underscored his bravery and resourcefulness.
This decisive action brought him into direct contact with the Montana Vigilantes, an extralegal group dedicated to ridding the territory of its criminal element through swift, often brutal, justice. His reputation grew, and it is said that Bannack Sheriff Henry Plummer, who secretly led a notorious outlaw band known as the Innocents, attempted to recruit Howie into his ranks. However, Howie steadfastly refused, solidifying his alignment with those who sought genuine law and order, albeit through unconventional means.
From Deputy to U.S. Marshal: A Life of Public Service
Neil Howie’s commitment to justice soon translated into official roles. In April 1864, he was appointed as a deputy sheriff of Madison County. His effective service and popular appeal quickly earned him further recognition, and later that summer, he was popularly elected as the first Sheriff of Madison County. Despite holding official positions, the harsh realities of the frontier often dictated a more direct approach to crime. Howie, understanding the necessity of decisive action, sometimes handed over apprehended outlaws to the vigilantes, demonstrating a pragmatic blend of formal law enforcement and frontier justice.
His diary entries from this period offer a stark glimpse into the mindset of the time. On March 24, 1865, Howie recorded: “According to the program last night, a party of us went up a mile & a half to give a man by the name of Tweed 50 lashes … he shed some tears while receiving his sentence … The boys gave him ten days to leave; the time was up last night; if he don’t leave in 5 days… he is to get 100, then if he don’t leave, to be hung.” This entry vividly illustrates the severity and immediacy of frontier justice, and Howie’s role within it.
Howie’s influence expanded further in July 1865 when he achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first U.S. Deputy Marshal for the newly formed Montana Territory. This appointment brought him to Helena, the bustling capital, where he was tasked with enforcing federal law across a vast and often lawless expanse. His tenure as a marshal reinforced his reputation as a formidable and dedicated lawman.
Military Leadership and Frontier Conflicts
Beyond his civilian law enforcement duties, Neil Howie also served with distinction in a military capacity. In July 1867, he was commissioned as a colonel for the 1st Montana Volunteer Cavalry. Under his leadership, his men were instrumental in constructing important defensive outposts, including Fort T.F. Meagher and Fort Howie, named in his honor. These forts were critical for protecting settlers and asserting federal presence in the vast wilderness.
In late August of that same year, Howie’s troops engaged in combat with Crow Indians who had been attacking area settlers. These encounters were a tragic but common aspect of westward expansion, as settlers encroached on Native American lands, leading to inevitable conflicts. Howie played a direct role in these frontier skirmishes, further cementing his image as a man deeply involved in the formative struggles of the territory.
Later Life and a Distant End
Following his extensive service in Montana, Howie continued his westward trajectory, spending time in Wyoming and Colorado before settling in Utah in 1872. However, the lure of riches and adventure remained strong. In 1874, the prospect of gold drew him even further afield, this time to South America. He took on the role of manager for the Remington Company’s Quartz Works, located on the island of Trinidad, off the Venezuelan mainland.
It was in this exotic and challenging environment that Howie’s remarkable life came to an untimely end. In March 1874, he contracted malaria, a common and often fatal disease in tropical climates at the time. Despite his resilience and long history of facing danger, the illness proved insurmountable, and he died on Trinidad, far from the Montana frontier he had helped to shape.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Frontier Justice
Neil Howie stands as a compelling figure in the annals of the American West, a man who navigated the complex and often contradictory demands of frontier justice. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to his pivotal role as a territorial lawman, U.S. Deputy Marshal, and military leader in Montana, Howie left an indelible mark on a burgeoning region. His willingness to work alongside both official legal structures and the extra-legal Montana Vigilantes highlights the raw, pragmatic nature of order-keeping in the Old West. Howie’s story is a testament to the individuals who, through their courage and determination, laid the groundwork for established society in the untamed territories, ultimately contributing to the transformation of the American frontier.
