Barton County KS Archives Biographies.....Gainsford, Jim 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 9, 2007, 3:12 pm

Author: Great Bend Tribune

JIM GAINSFORD

WHAT little is known about Jim Gainsford is what such men as John Tilton and
other old timers have been able to remember. Jim is chiefly noted as far as this
country is concerned, for his having been marshal of Great Bend at a time when
it required a great deal of nerve to control the lawless element. He was marshal
during the years 1871-72-73, and was also deputy sheriff under G. N. Moses, and
at one time held the office of deputy U. S. marshal He had been a soldier in the
civil war and after the war was over he came west, first to Abilene and from
there to Great Bend. He was not the kind of a man who cared for farming so never
took up a government claim, in fact he was never known to do a day's work, but
preferred the job of an officer where he could exercise his authority and at
times show his skill with a gun. He was a good marksman and had plenty of
courage, although he was known too as being a big bluffer, and proud of dressing
as a fierce frontiersman with a belt of cartridges about his waist and a whole
battery of guns displayed about his body. Jim accompanied G. N. Moses on many of
his trips after criminals and was never known to show the white feather. However
he backed down one time for G. N. Moses. John Tilton tells the incident as
follows: "In those days soldiers were equipped with needle guns and none but
government employees were supposed to carry them. Jim had been blustering about
a great deal as a deputy marshal and had taken needle guns from many of the
settlers and buffalo hunters, although it is doubtful if the government ever
realized from them. George Moses and I, each bought a gun from the soldiers at
Fort Dodge. Jim went up to George when he learned of this and told him he wanted
that needle gun. George told him that we had those guns over there in our dugout
and if he wanted them to come and get them, but he thought he would find a warm
reception. It is needless to say Jim never came after those guns." As the county
filled up and things became a little more civilized Jim moved westward where his
wild spirit could have freer rein. He is now an old man, an inmate of the
National Soldier's Home in California.


Additional Comments:
From:

Biographical History Of Barton County


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