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Ethan Allen Farnham was born October 5, 1849 in Brown's County, Wisconsin. He came to Routt County in October 1884. He married Hattie Abrams on December 23, 1889. His interest in law enforcement began when he ran for Sheriff in 1887 but was defeated by Robert H. Buchanan. Then in 1897 he was appointed Undersheriff to Charles Neiman. In the fall of 1899 he again ran for Sheriff and was elected, taking office in January 1900 and served a two year term. In 1906 he was elected a second time and served another two year term, 1907 - 1908. Mr. Farnham was probably one of the best known sheriff's of the county having become famous as the man who captured outlaws Lant and Tracy. On February 27, 1898 he headed the posse that went into Brown's Park and made the capture. For 5 days they chased the outlaws nearly 100 miles, raided their camp and on the sixth day succeeded in the capture. Valentine Hoy, who had been deputized to ride with the posse, was shot to death in the confrontation. In an editorial of March 19, 1898, the Courier says: "Sheriff Neiman and Undersheriff Farnham are entitled to great credit for the efficient manner in which they performed their duty in the capture and safe delivery of the outlaws, Johnson, Tracy and Lant. If the governors of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado would place the matter of clearing out the gang of outlaws that infest the border of these states into the hands of a few such men as Neiman and Farnham, it would not be long until the border ruffianism complained of would cease." When Ethan became ill he was taken to the hospital in Denver and later to Grand Junction to his brother's home where he died on June 5, 1908. His body was brought home to Craig and one of the largest and most impressive funerals ever was held. Burial was in the Craig Cemetery under the auspices of Cedar Mountain Lodge I.O.O.F. #104. of which he was a charter member. It was noted that "he was a terror to evil doers and loved by his friends".
Resource:
Steamboat Pilot, December 12, 1900
Routt County Republican, June 1908
Craig Courier, June 11, 1908
Where the Old West Stayed Young by John R.Burroughs
© 2004 Joyce Cusick nacpinc@hotmail.com
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