Weekly journal-miner., 1919-06-18
NERVY SHERIFF WHO NEVER
 FLINCHED

Without doubt Commodore Perry Owens, whose death occurred at Se- ligman recently, was one of the most courageous, daring and efficient criminal officers ever known in the southwest. When sheriff of Apache county his personality was of a spec tacular nature, which was in har- mony with the border days Of crim- inal lore.
 He wore his long waving hair fall ing gracefully over his soldiers And yet this man was of a particularly pleasing personality, with physical bearing to attract comment and a rather digniied carriage.
 He was born in Indiana about 6. years ago, and he entered Arizona from either Texas or New Mexico in 1882, 10 accept a situation as range foreman of cattle company located at Navajo Springs. It was while thus employed his fearless nature and deeds of bravery attracted admira- ton and approval. and sent his name broadcast as one of the most valor ous of men.
 Commodore Owens at this time won fame when, single-nanded, he killed three Navajo Indians who had left the reservation to drive of range cattle of the company of which he was the custodian. Other clashes followed and many Navajos bit the dust, Owens, in all fights, escaping injury, although he was often out numbered ten to one. Finally when ever the Navajo entered territory where Owen reigned, upon seeing the paleface they would invariably stampede, their supeFstitious belief. being that Owens had a charmed life.
 Thus recognized as one of the bravest of men, the law abiding cle- ment of Apache county demanded his services in an official capacity, and in lS86 he was elected sheriff. Officially associated with him in the election was Attorney Robt. l.. Nor rison, now of Prescott, as the county judge. At this particular time the outlaw ruled in Apache county, and with Morrison on the bench and Owens III the saddle the cattle i thieves and murderers were defied i by the strong arm and firm will oi the law abiding. A special grand jury was inpanelcd by Judge Morri- 1 son to clean Up the lawless element, | and Sheriff Owens got in action 10 cooperate. The legal action resulted in indictments being returned against l6 of the most noted of the outlaws, who had up 10 that time made f Apache their haven of rest and a rendezvous of the most vicious and startling of criminal misdceds, in which cold-blooded murders black ened the country. While the grand jury was reporting true bills, l2 of the indicted criminals fled the coun- try before bench warrants could be served. Three resisted arrest on the Blue river and they were shot and killed by Sheriff Owens and the posse, among them being the notor- ious Ike Clanton. When his brother, | Finn Clanton, leader of the gang, re- turned to the rendezvous and was | neatly trapped by the shcriff's posse, | he slowly threw tip his hands, and gritting his teeth in defiant man ner, submitted. He was tried, con victed. and sentenced to serve 10 ! years in the peuitentiary, and thus was the Clanton gaug wiped out
 Another thrilling episode in which Owens figured singled-handed was the thrilling Holbrook shooting. In this affair he rode into town one day and was informed that notorious outlaw mad gone south of the rail road track and entered a certain house. Thither rode the sheriff, and ticing his horse nearby. walked up to the door and rapped for admission. As it opened he saw his man and de 1nanded his surrender, Owens hold ing his rifle in his right hand by his side. The criminal started 10 pull from a scabbard his revolver when