Joseph S. LeFors

While beginning his career as a cowboy, Joseph S. LeFors soon moved on to become a detective. His primary duties were to track down stolen cattle in Wyoming and Montana. LeFors eventually became a famed Deputy U.S. Marshal, as well as spending time working for the Pinkertons. As a U.S. Marshal, LeFors operated out of Cheyenne, Wyoming and spent a considerable amount of time pursuing the Wild Bunch. 

Considered one of the best trackers in the West, it is said that LeFors’ count find a track, “on solid rock or under four feet of water.”

LeFors’ celebrated tracking skills were put to the test when he sent after the Wild Bunch following the Wilcox and Tipton train robberies. LeFors would come close, but was never able to catch the notorious outlaws.

LeFors is perhaps most famous for gaining a confession from Tom Horn. A boy named Willie Nickell was murdered and Horn was the primary suspect. In 1902, LeFors hid a stenographer in his office and invited Horn in for a chat. Horn, reportedly drunk at the time, gave a full confession. Horn was later convicted and hanged, largely as a result of his confession.

LeFors published a book entitled, Wyoming Police Officer. The book is currently out of print, but there are copies still out there. Check ebay.

Joe LeFors died on October 1, 1940. He is buried in the Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo, Wyoming.

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