Ep 7. Tom Smith: The Two-Fisted Marshal of Abeline

Tom Smith: The Two-Fisted Marshal of Abilene is the seventh episode of season 1 of American Lawmen. The show explores the story of Tom Smith, a Wild West lawman who became a legend in his own time. Smith started his career as a cowboy, but eventually found himself drawn to law enforcement. He became a deputy marshal in Kansas and eventually rose to the rank of marshal in Abilene, where he developed a reputation as a tough and fearless enforcer of the law.

The episode opens with a dramatic reenactment of Smith's most famous case, the killing of gunman Jack Strawhan in 1870. Strawhan had been terrorizing the town, shooting at anyone who crossed him, and even ambushing a group of soldiers who had come to arrest him. But when Smith arrived on the scene, he refused to be intimidated. He and Strawhan engaged in a dramatic shootout that left Strawhan dead and Smith hailed as a hero. But as the episode goes on, we see that this was only one of many dangerous situations that Smith faced during his long career.

We learn about the factors that led Smith to become a lawman, including his upbringing in a violent, lawless environment. Smith grew up in Texas during the Civil War and saw firsthand the violence and chaos that erupted during that time. He also witnessed the brutal treatment of Native Americans by white settlers, and this seems to have inspired him to seek justice for all people, regardless of their race or background.

As a deputy marshal, Smith was known for his skill with a gun and his relentless pursuit of fugitives. He traveled across multiple states, tracking down outlaws and bringing them to justice. He was also involved in several high-profile cases, such as the murder of a Wells Fargo agent in Kansas and a train robbery in Texas.

But it was in Abilene that Smith truly made his mark. The town was a center of cattle drives and had become a haven for outlaws and gunfighters. Smith was appointed as marshal in 1870 and immediately set to work cleaning up the town. He established a strict code of conduct for saloons and gambling halls, and he had a reputation for being fair but tough. He also had a unique method for dealing with troublesome citizens - he would often confront them in the street and challenge them to a fight. This earned him the nickname "Two-Fisted Tom" and made it clear that he was not to be trifled with.

Throughout the episode, we see reenactments of many of the key events in Smith's life, including his shootout with Strawhan, his capture of notorious outlaw William H. Bonnie (aka Billy the Kid), and his legendary fight with a local rowdy named Ben Thompson. We also hear from historians and experts who give their insights into Smith's character and his place in Western history.

Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid picture of a true American hero - a man who stood up to bullies and fought for justice in a lawless land. Tom Smith's legacy lives on today, as a symbol of courage and integrity in a world that often values the opposite. Whether you're a fan of Western history or simply enjoy a good story of bravery and adventure, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and entertained.