Name/Title
Sheriff Thomas Love [Cabinet Card]Description
Cabinet card of Sheriff Thomas Love.Context
First Sheriff of Borden County: Thomas Decater Love, was the first sheriff of Borden County and served five years, 1891-1896. He is famous for capturing the notorious outlaw Bill Cook. Cook and his gang terrorized the Indian Territory (later the state of Oklahoma} during the 1890s and was considered as dangerous as John Wesley Hardin and Sam Bass. They robbed banks, trains, post offices, stores and individuals. Several lawmen lost their lives trying to stop the gang. As members of the gang began to be killed or captured, Cook escaped to Texas and hid out at the Square and Compass Ranch. The manager of the ranch, Mr. Mitchell was unaware of the reputation of the new hire. One night Tom Love stopped at the Square and Compass and took notice of the new cowhand and his sharpshooting prowess. Sheriff Love went about his way but asked questions over the next few days about what Bill Cook looked like. Love was able to make the connection and made his way back to the Square and Compass. By then Cook had left and Love was told Cook was headed west. Love followed Cook and was able to corner him with the help of Sheriff Charley Perry at a small ranch west of Roswell, New Mexico on January 12, 1895.
The railroad companies had offered a reward of $500 for the capture of Bill Cook but alas Tom Love never saw a dime. The County Commissioners of Borden County were so upset that a plaque was ordered to honor Sheriff Love. This plaque hung on the first Colorado River bridge in Borden County for many years. When the bridge was torn down Sheriff Sid Reeder kept the plaque in his office and now it hangs in the Borden County Museum.